A superb ton by Himachal Pradesh's Nikhil Gangta (136) and Dhawal Kulkarni's dismissal of India Red captain Abhinav Mukund put India Blue in the driver's seat on the second day of the Duleep Trophy final at NPR College ground here Wednesday.

India Blue piled up a huge score of 541 in the first innings and reduced India Red to 27 for 1 at stumps as Kulkarni removed the left-handed Mukund (7) with an inswinging delivery as the Tamil Nadu batsman's troubles continued. Resuming at 260 for 5, India Blue lost the talented Ricky Bhui at 284 when he was bowled by Ishan Porel for 60. Gangta and Swapnil Singh came together for a fruitful 153-run partnership for the seventh wicket as the Red bowlers found the going tough.