Starting the final round three points behind India C, who had nine points, the ‘A’ team displayed remarkable determination from the outset and dominated the four-day contest.
With this victory, India A climbed to the top of the points table with a total of 12 points from three matches, earning the championship.
Chasing 350 on the final day, India C were bowled out for 217 in 81.5 overs. Krishna’s figures read 3/50 from 13.5 overs, including the final wicket of the match, while Kotian ignited a collapse in the opposition ranks.
The game was evenly poised at tea, with India C at 169 for three. Sudharsan was in great form, alongside Ishan Kishan, needing another 182 runs from around 30 overs in the final session.
Kotian then struck crucial blows, getting Kishan (17) caught behind and dismissing Abhishek Porel (0) in consecutive overs, followed by Pulkit Narang (6) shortly after.
Earlier in the chase, Ruturaj Gaikwad fell for 44 to Aaquib Khan, and Vijaykumar Vyshak was run out for 17.
Sudharsan’s valiant innings included 12 fours, scoring 111 off 206 balls, but he lacked support from the other end.
India C’s resistance crumbled when Sudharsan was dismissed by Krishna in the 78th over.
Aaquib Khan ensured a brief stay for Rajat Patidar (7), and Kotian’s Mumbai teammate Shams Mulani dismissed Manav Suthar, continuing the breakthroughs for India A.
Krishna returned in the match’s final stages, adding to his tally by dismissing Anshul Kamboj and Baba Indrajith for ducks, sealing a significant victory for his team.
Earlier in the day, India A declared their innings at 286 for six, batting for just a few overs. Riyan Parag (73) and Shashwat Rawat (53) scored fifties, while wicketkeeper-batter Kumar Kushagra contributed a vital 42, helping their side extend the overall lead to 349.
Brief Scores: India A: 297 & 286 for 6 decl in 66 overs (Riyan Parag 73, Shaswat Rawat 53; Gaurav Yadav 4/68) beat India C 234 & 217 in 81.5 overs (Ruturaj Gaikwad 44, Sai Sudharsan 111, Prasidh Krishna 3/50, Aaquib Khan 2/26, Tanush Kotian 3/47) by 132 runs.