Producer: Peuli Bakshi
After the third day of the 1st unofficial Test between England Lions and India A, England Lions needed six wickets, and India A required 331 more runs to avoid defeat.
On the fourth day (January 20) in Ahmedabad, the match took an unexpected turn. India A managed to lose only one wicket on Saturday, securing a draw.
Even team England Lions admitted that they understood that they have lost the opportunity of winning the 1st unofficial Test on India soil by tea time.
Sai Sudharsan's 97, Manav Suthar's unbeaten 89, and KS Bharat's unbeaten 116 played pivotal roles in achieving a draw in a massive 490-run chase.
Bharat's celebration got viral, as he dedicated his century to Lord Ram Jan 22 Pran Pratishtha of Ayodhya’s Ram temple, performing a 'bow and arrow' celebration.
The drawn match became memorable due to not only the exceptional performances of the Indian batsmen, but also due to Bharat's symbolic dedication to Lord Ram.
It was the 30-year-old wicket-keeper batter’s tenth 1st class hundred, proving his talent once again.
Bharat's stellar performance has likely secured him a place in the playing XI for India’s 1st Test against England in the 5-match series, starting Jan 25.