The Ranji Trophy, one of the most prestigious domestic cricket tournaments in India, witnessed a thrilling start to its season. Young talents and seasoned players delivered captivating performances across multiple venues. Let’s dive into the key highlights from Day 1 of the Ranji Trophy matches, which saw dominant displays with both the bat and ball.
Delhi vs Tamil Nadu: Sai Sudharsan’s Double Century Shines
Tamil Nadu’s opener, Sai Sudharsan, had a spectacular day, smashing an unbeaten 202* against Delhi. His innings featured 23 fours and a six, marking his highest first-class score. Alongside N Jagadeesan, who scored 80, the duo put up a strong opening stand of 168 runs. Following Jagadeesan’s dismissal, all-rounder Washington Sundar joined Sudharsan and contributed a steady 96*, as Tamil Nadu ended the day at a commanding 375/1.
| Player | Runs | Balls | Fours | Sixes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sai Sudharsan | 202* | 256 | 23 | 1 |
| Washington Sundar | 96* | 134 | 10 | 0 |
| N Jagadeesan | 80 | 115 | 14 | 0 |
Mumbai vs Maharashtra: Ayush Mhatre’s Maiden Ton
Mumbai’s 17-year-old opener Ayush Mhatre scored his first century in just his third innings, guiding his team to a dominant position. After bowling out Maharashtra for 126, thanks to brilliant spells from Shams Mulani (3 for 7) and Mohit Avasthi (3 for 31), Mumbai ended the day comfortably placed at 220/3. Mhatre, supported by experienced players Ajinkya Rahane and Shreyas Iyer, pushed the team’s lead to 94 runs.
Karnataka vs Kerala: Rain Plays Spoilsport
Rain limited play to just 23 overs in the match between Karnataka and Kerala. Kerala made the most of their time on the field, reaching 88 for no loss. Rohan Kunnammal was in fine form, staying unbeaten on 57, while his partner Vatsal Govind supported him with 31* as they built a steady opening partnership.
Odisha vs Jammu & Kashmir: Abdul Samad’s Power Hitting
In Cuttack, Abdul Samad brought his T20 aggression to the Ranji format, smashing 127 off 117 balls, including nine sixes. His powerful innings helped J&K post a competitive total of 270, though Odisha’s left-arm spinner Sumit Sharma claimed five wickets, ensuring J&K couldn’t build on Samad’s heroic effort.
Saurashtra vs Chhattisgarh: Top-Order Dominates
Chhattisgarh’s top order took advantage of favourable conditions in Rajkot, finishing Day 1 at 236/2 against Saurashtra. Aayush Pandey (52) and Anuj Tiwary (44) laid a solid foundation with a 95-run opening stand. Captain Amandeep Khare and Sanjeet Desai remained unbeaten at 81 and 57, respectively, pushing the team towards a commanding position.
Railways vs Jharkhand: Twin Tons for Virat Singh and Ishan Kishan
Jharkhand’s middle-order batsmen Virat Singh and Ishan Kishan stole the show against Railways, both scoring centuries. Despite being 82/3 at one stage, the duo led a recovery mission, with Singh staying unbeaten on 103*, while Kishan contributed 101 before being dismissed. At stumps, Jharkhand posted a strong 325/5.
Arunachal Pradesh vs Mizoram: Varma and Agarwal Star
In the Plate Group, Hardik Varma‘s five-wicket haul and Jagdish Agarwal‘s rapid 86 propelled Arunachal Pradesh to a commanding position against Mizoram. Despite a fighting century by Agni Chopra (110), Mizoram was bowled out for 247. Arunachal Pradesh responded strongly, finishing the day at 101/3.
| Team | Score | Top Scorers | Wickets Taken |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arunachal Pradesh | 101/3 | Jagdish Agarwal – 86 | Hardik Varma – 5 |
| Mizoram | 247 | Agni Chopra – 110 | – |
Day 1 of the Ranji Trophy showcased a mix of emerging talents and experienced campaigners stepping up in crucial moments. As the tournament progresses, these performances set the stage for an exciting season ahead. Whether it’s a young debutant like Ayush Mhatre or a proven match-winner like Sai Sudharsan, these cricketers have already made their mark. Stay tuned for more action-packed highlights,
