NEW DELHI: The Indian team management would have breathed easy after Tilak Varma checked every box on his return to competitive cricket following lower abdominal surgery, as an IPL-heavy India A side registered a comfortable 38-run win over the United States in a high-scoring warm-up match on Monday.

Batting first, the India A batters stuck to the ultra-aggressive blueprint popularised by the senior side, with Tamil Nadu wicketkeeper Narayan Jagadeesan leading the charge.

Jagadeesan produced a blistering knock of 104 off just 55 balls, hammering 11 fours and five sixes to set the tone for a massive total.

In response, the USA put up a respectable fight on a batting-friendly surface but eventually finished on 200, with Sanjay Krishnamurthi’s explosive 41 off 18 balls standing out as the highlight of their chase.

Leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi, who remains in contention to step in should Washington Sundar be officially ruled out, strengthened his case with a tidy three-wicket haul.

Tilak impresses with bat, ball and in the field

For the national selectors, head coach Gautam Gambhir and captain Suryakumar Yadav, the key focus was Tilak’s match fitness after completing a three-week ‘Return to Play’ programme at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru.

The elegant left-hander from Hyderabad made a confident return, scoring 38 off 24 balls and launching a couple of authoritative sixes off left-arm spinners Harmeet Singh and Nosthush Kenjige. Tilak appeared particularly comfortable against Harmeet, dispatching him for three boundaries.

More importantly, there were no visible signs of discomfort during his time at the crease. His movement looked free and assured, and he backed it up in the field as well, sprinting back to take a well-judged catch to dismiss Saiteja Mukkamalla.

Tracking the ball while running backwards, Tilak showed excellent balance and positioning to complete a clean grab. He later chipped in with the ball to claim a wicket and added another catch, underlining a complete all-round outing.

Having passed his fitness test with flying colours and set to reclaim the No. 3 slot, Tilak’s return could spell trouble for Sanju Samson, who has struggled with five consecutive failures and may have to make way for Ishan Kishan.

Badoni shines as Mayank returns from injury

Another positive from the match was Riyan Parag’s return to action, although skipper Ayush Badoni stole the spotlight with a rapid 60 off just 24 deliveries, finishing the innings with a flurry of crisp strokes. Parag, Assam’s biggest cricketing name, faced only a couple of balls and wasn’t called upon to bowl.

India’s express pacer Mayank Yadav also marked his comeback, finishing with figures of 0 for 37 in three overs. Operating with a slightly tweaked action that featured a reduced jump at the crease, Mayank clocked serious pace but looked understandably rusty after a lengthy injury layoff.

Overall, the match served its purpose for India A, offering key players valuable game time while providing encouraging signs ahead of bigger challenges.

(With PTI Inputs)