When India Blue began their innings, Red skipper Dinesh Karthik chose to open the bowling with Mumbai left-arm spinner Vijay Gohil it gave the indication of things to come. The young Mumbai bowler did not disappoint as he picked up three early wickets to put the Blues batsmen on the back foot. At the other end off spinner Sunder had Suresh Raina brilliantly stumped by Karthik, a close decision made by third umpire on referral.

With the spinners making good use of the turning track and claiming wicket after wicket, it remains to be seen if India Blue now have the gumption to put up stiff resistance and stay in the game in this five-day Duleep Trophy final. Gohil has bowled with guile, showing a lot of promise. With a lot of cricket to be played in this match, he has a good opportunity to enhance his reputation and lead his team to a well-deserved title win.