The elder brother had a disappointing time out in the middle, but his younger sibling made fine use of the opportunity.

Musheer Khan, younger brother of Sarfaraz who made his Test debut earlier this year, defied the odds and hit an unbeaten 105 to help India B reach 202/7 at stumps on Day I of the Duleep Trophy clash at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

That, after India A bowlers had reduced India B to 94/7.

Success and consistency at the U-19 level — which includes leading Mumbai U-19 to a runners-up finish in last season’s Vinoo Mankad Trophy alongside finishing as the second-highest run-getter (with 360 runs) in this year’s U-19 World Cup — helped him to retain his place in the senior Mumbai squad.

He grabbed that opportunity with both hands, hitting an unbeaten double hundred, a half-century and a ton in the knockout phase of Mumbai’s triumphant 2023-24 Ranji Trophy campaign.

A first-class average of 58.77 from six appearances underlines he’s on the right path. At the Chinnaswamy on Thursday, he didn’t only have to brave a tough situation but also deal with opposition bowlers with international cricket experience.

He even kept at bay chinaman bowler Kuldeep Yadav, who has been successful across all formats in recent times.

“This innings of Musheer proved he’s one step ahead of his contemporaries. What stands out is his work ethic and dedication towards all aspects of the game,” former Bengal off spinner Sourasish Lahiri, also bowling coach of India B, pointed out.

“Musheer will be kept in close watch,” said a BCCI official.

“If he does well in the remainder of Duleep, he’ll definitely be picked for an ‘A’ tour.”

For sure Musheer, who also bowls slow left-arm orthodox, has a lot to gain.