India A suffered a dramatic top-order collapse on Day 1 of the second unofficial Test against South Africa A at the BCCI Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru, leaving fans and selectors stunned. Abhimanyu Easwaran was dismissed for a duck, while KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, and Devdutt Padikkal fell cheaply, exposing India A’s vulnerability against disciplined seam bowling under overcast conditions.
South Africa A, opting to bowl first, made early inroads with Tiaan van Vuuren and Okuhle Cele exploiting movement and bounce. India A slumped to 126/7 before Dhruv Jurel staged a remarkable rescue act, scoring an unbeaten 132 off 175 balls, laced with 12 fours and 4 sixes. His counterattack, supported by Kuldeep Yadav’s gritty 20, helped India A reach a respectable 255 all out in 77.1 overs.
🧠 India A Batting Performance – Day 1 Breakdown
| Batter | Runs | Balls | Dismissal Type | Bowler |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abhimanyu Easwaran | 0 | 6 | Caught behind | Cele |
| KL Rahul | 12 | 28 | LBW | van Vuuren |
| Sai Sudharsan | 9 | 17 | Bowled | van Vuuren |
| Devdutt Padikkal | 7 | 22 | Caught | Cele |
| Dhruv Jurel | 132* | 175 | Not out | — |
| Kuldeep Yadav | 20 | 61 | Caught | van Vuuren |
The top-order collapse highlighted technical flaws and lack of temperament against quality pace bowling.
📊 India A vs South Africa A – Day 1 Summary
| Team | Toss | Total Score | Overs | Top Scorer | Best Bowler |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| India A | Lost | 255 all out | 77.1 | Dhruv Jurel (132*) | Tiaan van Vuuren (4/52) |
| South Africa A | Field | Yet to bat | — | — | — |
South Africa A will begin their innings on Day 2 with momentum firmly in their favor.
📈 Timeline of Key Moments – India A Innings
| Over | Event Description | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 2.3 | Easwaran dismissed for duck | Early setback |
| 10.1 | Rahul trapped LBW | Pressure mounts |
| 15.4 | Sudharsan bowled | Collapse begins |
| 22.2 | Padikkal caught at slip | India A 4 down |
| 45.3 | Jurel reaches fifty | Stabilizes innings |
| 72.5 | Jurel completes century | Heroic recovery |
| 77.1 | India A all out | Jurel remains unbeaten |
Jurel’s innings was a masterclass in composure and counterattack under pressure.
🗣️ Reactions from Analysts and Fans
| Stakeholder | Commentary Summary |
|---|---|
| Cricket Analysts | “Jurel’s innings was a statement for Test selection.” |
| Fans on Social Media | “Top-order failure is worrying; Jurel is the future.” |
| Former Players | “India A needs better preparation against quality pace.” |
| Selectors | “Jurel’s consistency is hard to ignore.” |
The match has reignited conversations around India’s bench strength and Test team selection.
📌 Dhruv Jurel’s Recent Form – First-Class Cricket
| Opponent | Score | Venue | Month |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Indies A | 124 | Port of Spain | August 2025 |
| Australia A | 101 | Lucknow | September 2025 |
| South Africa A | 132* | Bengaluru | November 2025 |
Jurel’s consistent performances position him as a strong contender for India’s Test middle order.
📌 Conclusion
India A’s top-order collapse against South Africa A in the second unofficial Test exposed technical and mental frailties, but Dhruv Jurel’s unbeaten 132 turned the tide and salvaged pride. His innings not only steadied the team but also strengthened his case for a spot in the senior Test squad. As South Africa A prepare to bat on Day 2, India A’s bowlers will need to deliver a disciplined performance to stay competitive in the match.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available match reports, scorecards, and expert commentary. It is intended for informational and editorial purposes only and does not constitute sports betting or selection advice.
