India A established a 163-run lead at the end of Day 2 in the first unofficial Test against Australia A at the Cricket Association Puducherry Siechem Ground. A century from Kumar Kushagra and four wickets from Shams Mulani left the visitors trailing significantly after the first-innings exchange.
Resuming at 257 for 5, India A were eventually bowled out for 334. Kumar Kushagra, who had retired hurt on 82 during the opening day due to cramps, returned to the crease to complete his seventh first-class century. He scored 113 from 240 balls, including 13 boundaries. Kushagra found support in Tanush Kotian, who made 69 to help stretch the total.
Corey Rocchiccioli was the most successful bowler for the Australian side, finishing with 4 for 95. However, the Australian batters struggled in response, dismissed for 171 in 55.3 overs. Left-arm spinner Shams Mulani took 4 for 67 from 18 overs, taking the wickets of Peter Handscomb and Jason Sangha. Sangha provided the most resistance for the visitors before the spin-friendly conditions in Puducherry allowed the hosts to take control.
Kotian followed his half-century with 2 for 31 as the pitch increasingly favored slow bowlers. Analysis of the match so far shows that spinners from both sides—Mulani, Kotian, and Rocchiccioli—have accounted for 10 of the 20 wickets to fall, indicating a traditional turning surface.
With a lead of 163, India A captain Devdutt Padikkal has the option to enforce the follow-on on Day 3, as the margin exceeds the 150-run requirement for four-day matches. Analysis suggests Padikkal must weigh the benefit of immediate pressure against the potential fatigue of his bowling attack on a deteriorating pitch.
Padikkal, who is leading the side in this two-match series, previously expressed his enthusiasm for the role. “It’s a great opportunity to be captain of India A. I’m looking forward to it,” he said.
Kushagra’s fitness remains a point of observation for the third morning after his earlier struggle with cramps, though his return to bat suggests he may be available to keep wickets if Australia A are asked to bat again immediately.
