Lakshya Raichandani’s unbeaten 210 gives India U-19 a 213-run lead in Rajkot

Lakshya Raichandani scored an unbeaten 210 as India under-19 reached 430 for eight to take a 213-run lead over Australia under-19 on the second day of the first Youth Test in Rajkot. His innings, made off 256 balls with 20 fours and four sixes, left India firmly placed at the close.

Lakshya carried his strong white-ball form into the longer format, anchoring India after early trouble at the Niranjan Shah Stadium as the surface eased on Monday. India had slipped to 46 for two before Lakshya combined with captain Yashbardhan Singh Chauhan to steady the innings. Chauhan made 54 off 81 balls with seven fours while Sagar Virk and Kushagra Ojha had fallen cheaply.

The third-wicket pair added 124, with Chauhan adopting an aggressive V-held technique and rotating the strike and Lakshya beginning cautiously before accelerating. Rising temperatures and signs of fatigue among the Australian bowlers suggested both could reach centuries, but Chauhan was caught behind off Kasey Barton, which ended that partnership.

Australia’s spin options then applied pressure: left-arm Connor Gregory and leg-spinner Spencer Green took two wickets apiece as India lost further wickets in clusters. Lakshya remained resolute through that period, continuing to farm the strike and protect the lower order.

After those dismissals Lakshya put on 51 with Ayaan Akram, who had come in for Pranav Ragavendra, and then shared an unbroken 137-run stand for the ninth wicket with local batter Mohit Ulva. Mohit finished unbeaten on 58 from 56 balls with five fours and four sixes, increasing the scoring rate while Lakshya played each delivery selectively.

The Australian spinners briefly shifted momentum, but Lakshya batted through the day and remained not out as India closed in a dominant position. The scores: Australia u-19 217 vs. India u-19 430/8 in 92 overs (Lakshya Raichandani n.o. 210, Yashbardhan Singh 54, Mohit Ulva n.o. 58, Kasey Barton 3/64).