Dhruv Jurel's 132 not out guides India A to 255 all out after 126-7

Dhruv Jurel struck an unbeaten 132 to haul India A from 126 for 7 to a total of 255 all out on the opening day of the second unofficial Test against South Africa A at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru on Thursday. The 24‑year‑old wicketkeeper batter rescued the innings with a patient, counterattacking century and a series of lower‑order partnerships that rebuilt a fragile start.

Asked to bat first, India A’s top order collapsed against lively seam and swing under overcast skies, with Abhimanyu Easwaran dismissed without scoring and Devdutt Padikkal and KL Rahul failing to convert starts. Sai Sudharsan made 17 and Rahul 19 as the visitors’ seamers and offspinner Prenelan Subrayen made early inroads, leaving the hosts 126 for 7 in the middle session.

Jurel batted through the remainder of the day, facing 175 deliveries and anchoring two crucial stands. He added 79 for the eighth wicket with Kuldeep Yadav, who made 20 off some 80-odd balls before being run out, and a further 34 for the ninth wicket with Mohammed Siraj. Jurel remained unbeaten when the innings concluded, having shepherded the tail and punished loose deliveries to take India A to a competitive total after a...