Tilak Varma Inspires Confidence on Return, Ravi Bishnoi Impresses as India 'A' Beats USA in T20 World Cup Warm-Up
India showcased their formidable depth ahead of the T20 World Cup defense on home soil as their 'A' team secured a convincing 38-run victory over the United States in a warm-up encounter at Navi Mumbai on Monday. The match served as a crucial fitness and form assessment for several players, with left-handed batter Tilak Varma making a highly anticipated return to competitive cricket following a recent injury layoff.
Tilak Varma's Fluent Comeback After Injury
Sidelined since early January after undergoing surgery for an injury sustained during the Vijay Hazare Trophy, all eyes were on Tilak Varma as he walked out to bat in the fourth over following Priyansh Arya's dismissal. The left-hander began cautiously, working singles and easing into his innings against a disciplined USA bowling attack that offered little width or overpitched deliveries.
What stood out immediately was his running between the wickets. There was no visible discomfort as he pushed hard for singles, including a sharp run in the sixth over off Jasdeep Singh that signaled growing confidence in both fitness and mobility. He scampered eagerly for twos, sliding his bat in safely while keeping the scoreboard ticking consistently.
The first boundary arrived in the seventh over and marked a clear shift in momentum. Harmeet Singh overpitched and Tilak dispatched the full toss between long-on and midwicket with authority. The assurance followed quickly as two overs later, again off Harmeet, Tilak unfurled a crisp cover drive before lifting a clean six over long-off, his bat swinging free and unencumbered. The reverse sweep soon followed as he raced to 27 off just 14 balls.
Building Momentum and Partnership
As the innings progressed, Tilak imposed himself more decisively. He continued seeking quick doubles, testing fielders and backing his running aggressively. When Nosthush Kenjige erred in length, Tilak launched him over long-on for six, moving to 37 off 20 balls and underlining his clean striking against both pace and spin.
N Jagadeesan provided the perfect foil during their partnership. While Tilak eased back into match rhythm, Jagadeesan initially took time before switching gears dramatically. Together, they stitched a rapid 113-run stand in just 55 balls that shifted the momentum firmly in India's favor.
Tilak's role was clear: measured early, fluent once set, and increasingly authoritative without appearing reckless. His stay ended in the 14th over when Shubham Ranjane dug one in short. Tilak went for the pull, the ball took a faint edge, and wicketkeeper Andries Gous completed the catch. He walked back for 38 off 24 balls, having made a significant impact during his brief but impactful innings.
Jagadeesan and Badoni Power India to Mammoth Total
While the dismissal ended the partnership, the larger takeaway remained firmly positive. Over just eight overs at the crease, Tilak looked in good order – running freely, striking cleanly, and moving without hesitation. With the World Cup looming, it was precisely the uncomplicated return India hoped for from their talented left-hander.
Jagadeesan brought up his half-century off just 26 balls and continued to motor along as bowlers struggled to rein him in. He reached his hundred with a single in the 16th over, completing the milestone in just 49 balls, before falling shortly after for a commanding 104, dismissed by Ali Khan.
Skipper Ayush Badoni took over after Tilak's dismissal, smashing his way to 60 off 26 balls to lead India A to a mammoth 238-run total that would prove too challenging for the American side.
Ravi Bishnoi's Decisive Bowling Spell
While Tilak Varma's return dominated the narrative with the bat, Ravi Bishnoi's spell drew equal interest from a bowling perspective. With Washington Sundar's availability still uncertain, Bishnoi's role as a spin option remains significant, and this outing offered a valuable glimpse into his current form and rhythm.
The leg-spinner struck in his first over, dismissing USA captain Monank Patel with a flatter wrong'un that slid in sharply. When Bishnoi returned in the ninth over, he made an immediate impact. This time, he went fuller, tossing the ball up on a middle-stump line and inviting the big hit. Milind Kumar attempted to clear the ground but miscued his slog, looping a straightforward catch to Riyan Parag at long-on.
The wicket reflected a conscious adjustment from Bishnoi. During the recent New Zealand series, one concern had been his tendency to bowl too short, allowing batters to sit back and attack. On Monday, he made a visible effort to pitch the ball fuller, denying time and forcing risk from the opposition batters.
USA's Response and Final Outcome
In response to India's imposing total, USA fought valiantly but ultimately fell short. Andries Gous contributed 44 runs while Sanjay Krishnamurthi added 41, but regular wickets prevented them from building substantial partnerships. Khaleel Ahmed supported Bishnoi effectively with figures of 2/25 as USA were bowled out for 200 in 19.4 overs, handing India A a 38-run victory.
The warm-up match served multiple purposes for the Indian team management:
- Assessing Tilak Varma's fitness and form after injury recovery
- Evaluating Ravi Bishnoi's bowling adjustments and effectiveness
- Testing bench strength ahead of the T20 World Cup
- Building confidence among fringe players
With the T20 World Cup beginning this week, such practice matches provide invaluable opportunities for players to fine-tune their skills and for selectors to make informed decisions about squad composition and strategy.
