But Dubey’s unfortunate run-out at the non-striker’s end with the ball ricocheting off his bat back to Mulani, who knocked off the bails, gave India A the opening they sought. From there on, apart from Bhui who scored a well-constructed 113, the likes of Shreyas Iyer and Sanju Samson only sparked with cameos as India D remain the only team without a point in the tournament.

In his next over, Mulani made one sneak between Devdutt Padikkal’s bat and pad from round the wicket. With the pitch offering good bounce – a Kotian delivery bounced head high to the wicketkeeper from a good length – they created regular chances. There was also a mini-battle between the two Mumbai spinners and Iyer. Having failed to get off the mark in the first innings, the latter batting at No 5 in the second essay, dealt in boundaries. Using his feet and the crease, he picked gaps effortlessly.

Ricky Bhui batting for India D. (BCCI X)

But like in the first innings, it was yet another tame shot that cut his stay short. Having committed to an aggressive stroke even before Mulani had released the ball, Iyer stayed back to a delivery he should have played off the front foot. He went for a hoick over mid-wicket, but the ball was too full for the shot and sneaked between his legs to give Mulani his second wicket of the morning. Having lost his spot in the Test squad, Iyer seems to be slipping further down the pecking order.

Once Iyer departed, it was Samson’s turn to take over. A very good player of spin, the Kerala batsman used his feet to come down the track and loft Kotian over mid-on for a boundary. Picking length early, he would jump down the pitch and hit Mulani and Kotian for sixes over long-off. Post lunch, with Kotian continuing to offer flight, Samson would take the invitation and pick a boundary and six. But Mulani would eventually send him back, courtesy a faint edge that was pouched safely by Kumar Kushagra.

Though the rest of India D batsmen were in a mood to rush, Bhui took the foot off the pedal. Like any good No 3, he went about constructing an innings, dropping anchor and picking up boundaries whenever an opportunity presented itself. A lofted cover-drive off Kotian’s off-spin brought his century off 170 deliveries.

Kotian’s perseverance would eventually pay off as he removed Saransh Jain, Bhui and Saurabh Kumar during a lengthy spell in the second session. And once the centurion departed, it was only a matter of time before India A walked away with 6 points.

India C go top

Having taken a sizeable lead and a bowler short – Sandeep Warrier has been ruled out of the tournament with a leg injury – India C didn’t press for a win and chose to play it safe against India B. Resuming their first innings at 309/7, India B were bowled out for 322 with captain Abhimanyu Easwaran carrying his bat for 157. Haryana seamer Anshul Kamboj finished with figures of 8/69 and boosted his chance of making it to the India A tour of Australia next month.

Having taken a 193-run lead, India C lost Sai Sudharsan early, but thereafter Ruturaj Gaikwad (62) and Rajat Patidar (42) stonewalled to avoid a batting collapse. India C then declared at 128/4 as both teams settled for a draw.

Brief scores:

India A 290 & 380/3 declared beat India D 183 & 301 (Ricky Bhui 113, Shreyas Iyer 41, Sanju Samson 40; Tanush Kotian 4/73, Shams Mulani 3/117) by 186 runs

India C 525 & 128/4 declared

(Ruturaj Gaikwad 62, Rajat Patidar 42) drew with India B 332 (Abhimanyu Easwaran 157 not out, Narayan Jagadeesan 70; Anshul Kamboj 8/69)