While Jasprit Bumrah-led India were playing the rescheduled fifth Test against England at Birmingham, another Indian Team was locking horns with Derbyshire in a Tour game on the same day where veteran batter Dinesh Karthik made captaincy debut for India.
Karthik was spearheading Team India for the first time, with a squad which consisted of the most players from the recent Ireland series where India clinched the two-match contest 2-0.
The 37-year-old took to Twitter to share his joy on leading the squad. He said that he felt special and it was moment of great honour. The right-handed batter further expressed himself and added that he feels proud being a part of this team.
He captioned: “Have been around for many years but this was the first time I led the team in blue. Even though it was a warm-up game, it felt special and a great honour. Big thanks to all who have always supported and for the wishes. Proud of being a part of this team”
Karthik won his first ever toss for India and elected to field first in the warm-up T20 game played at County Ground, Derby. The skipper decided to go with an unorthodox approach and hence, introduced spinner in the very first over of the match. The decision proved to be fruitful as Axar Patel scalped wicket on the fifth delivery. It turned out to be the first of many as Derbyshire’s wickets kept on falling on regular intervals.
After India elected to field, pacers Umran Malik and Arshdeep Singh grabbed two wickets apiece as India restricted Derbyshire to 150/8.
Wayne Madsen top-scored for Derbyshire, hitting 28 off 21 balls.
In reply, Hooda made 59 off 37 balls and shared a 78-run stand for the third wicket with Suryakumar Yadav (36 not out).
Sanju Samson also chipped in with a 30-ball 38 while Karthik remained unbeaten on seven.
The second-string Indian team will play their second warm-up match against Northamptonshire on Sunday ahead of the white-ball series against England, starting July 7.
Both teams will play three T20Is and ODIs.
