Ruturaj Gaikwad Century Powers India A Against Sri Lanka A

Ruturaj Gaikwad Century Powers India A Against Sri Lanka A In Tri Series Opener

India A began their Tri-Series 2026 campaign with a spirited performance against Sri Lanka A in Dambulla, thanks largely to a magnificent century from Ruturaj Gaikwad. The experienced batter anchored the innings brilliantly after an early collapse, guiding India A to a competitive total of 277/6 in 50 overs.

While much of the pre-match attention centered around teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, it was Gaikwad who showcased his class and temperament in challenging conditions to put India A in a commanding position.

Early Setbacks For India A

After winning the toss, captain Tilak Varma elected to bat first. However, the start was far from ideal for India A as both openers departed inside the first five overs.

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, one of the most talked-about young talents in world cricket, showed glimpses of his attacking style with a couple of elegant boundaries before falling for 14. Prabhsimran Singh followed soon after for just 2, leaving India A struggling at 16/2.

Sri Lanka A's pace attack, led by Mohamed Shiraz and Chamika Karunaratne, exploited the early movement effectively and put immediate pressure on the visitors.

Gaikwad And Priyansh Arya Rebuild

With wickets falling early, Ruturaj Gaikwad took responsibility. Alongside Priyansh Arya, he steadied the innings with a valuable partnership that helped India A recover from a difficult situation.

Arya looked positive during his 32-run knock before a bizarre run-out ended his stay at the crease. Despite losing another partner, Gaikwad remained composed and continued building the innings.

The right-hander rotated the strike intelligently, punished loose deliveries, and ensured India A maintained momentum through the middle overs.

Tilak Varma Provides Strong Support

Captain Tilak Varma played a crucial supporting role during the most important phase of the innings. The left-hander scored a patient 60 and stitched together a crucial century partnership with Gaikwad.

Their stand completely shifted the momentum in India's favor. While Gaikwad accelerated steadily towards his century, Tilak focused on keeping the scoreboard moving and frustrating the Sri Lankan bowlers.

Gaikwad eventually reached his century in 112 deliveries, registering his 21st List A hundred. His knock proved to be the backbone of India's innings and highlighted his growing leadership qualities in domestic and international cricket.

Late Flourish Pushes India Past 275

The finishing touches came from Ayush Badoni and Suryansh Shedge. Badoni contributed a quick 24, while Shedge played an explosive unbeaten knock of 26 from just 14 balls.

His aggressive stroke play in the final overs helped India A cross the 275-run mark, giving their bowlers a solid total to defend.

In the chase, Sri Lanka A started strongly through Niroshan Dickwella and Avishka Fernando. However, India A clawed their way back into the contest.

Ayush Badoni removed both set openers, while Delhi Capitals all-rounder Vipraj Nigam delivered a key breakthrough by stumping Nuwanidu Fernando. His wicket shifted momentum back towards India A and kept the visitors firmly in the game.

With several overs remaining, the contest remained finely balanced, but India A's all-round effort demonstrated the depth and talent available in the emerging player pool.

The opening match of the Tri-Series has already produced standout performances, with Ruturaj Gaikwad's century emerging as the defining moment of the day and reinforcing his credentials as one of India's most reliable performers in the 50-over format.