Wicketkeeper-batter KS Bharat scored a superb hundred in the unofficial Test match between India A and England Lions on Sunday (January 21). With this he has made a strong case for himself to be included in India's Playing 11 for the five-match Test series against England at home, beginning on January 26 (Friday). During the fourth day of the match, Bharat's hundred helped India A secure a draw against England Lions. Eventually he remained unbeaten on 116 in the second innings.
However, more than the hundred it was his celebration that went viral on social media. The Visakhapatnam-born cricketer dedicated his century to Lord Ram ahead of the Ayodhya Temple 'Pran Pratishtha' scheduled to happen on Monday (January 22). Bharat pulled off a 'Bow And Arrow' celebration to dedicate his performance to Lord Ram.
Take a look at the viral video here:
Rajat Patidar Scored Hundred In First Innings For India A
While it was Bharat who scored a match-saving hundred for India A in the second innings, it was Madhya Pradesh's Rajat Patidar scored a sensational 151 off 158 balls in the first innings, a dominating knock which was studded with 19 fours and 5 sixes as rest of the Indian batters struggled around him with the team eventually bundling out for 227 in response to England's 553/8 (declared).
In the second innings, England Lions declared their innings at 163/6 in 29.3 overs to try and push for a win but Bharat's effort along with contributions from Sai Sudharsan (97), Sarfaraz Khan (55), Pradosh Paul (43) and Manav Suthar (89*) ensured that India A manage to hold on to a draw, finishing with 426/5 in 125 Overs.
Keaton Jennings impressed with the bat for England Lions in each of the two innings, scoring 154 in the first innings and returning to score 64 off 65 in the second which was precisely the need of the hour for the tourists at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.