Cricket

Tamil Nadu's Narayan Jagadeesan and B Sai Sudharsan put on a dominant batting display to propel their team to a commanding position against former champions Saurashtra in the Ranji Trophy Elite Group D match.Jagadeesan, the Tamil Nadu captain, struck a fluent 100 off 165 deliveries, laced with 11 boundaries. Sudharsan, the young opener, contributed a solid 82 off 159 balls, hitting eight fours. Their 172-run opening partnership laid the foundation for Tamil Nadu's strong start.At stumps on the second day, Tamil Nadu had reached 278 for three, taking a 75-run lead over Saurashtra's first-innings total of 203. Pradosh Ranjan Paul (45 not out) and Boopathi Vaishna Kumar (0 not out) were at the crease.In Chandigarh, Railways set a challenging target of 341 for the hosts, who were struggling at 31/1 at stumps. Chandigarh had earlier bowled out Railways for 147, but their own batting collapsed, with Akash Pandey taking five wickets for just 38 runs.Upendra Yadav's sensational 124 in the second innings helped Railways consolidate their position. Opener Vivek Singh also chipped in with 54 as Railways posted 307 in their second innings.In another Group D tie at Raipur, Delhi made slow progress in their chase of Chhattisgarh's 343. Skipper Himmat Singh remained unbeaten on 50 off 72 balls, while Harsh Tyagi was on six not out. Delhi ended the day on 177/4, trailing by 166 runs.At Guwahati, hosts Assam were in trouble against Jharkhand, trailing by 252 runs in the first innings. None of the Assam batters could convert their starts, with opener Parvez Musaraf top-scoring with 35.

Young Uttar Pradesh skipper Aryan Juyal led a spirited fightback with an unbeaten 90, guiding his team to 198 for three in response to Bengal's 311 on Day 2 of their Ranji Trophy Group C clash.The 22-year-old wicketkeeper-batter, who has represented India Under-19 and was part of the Mumbai Indians setup, showcased his technical proficiency throughout the innings. He faced 195 deliveries and struck eight boundaries, anchoring the Uttar Pradesh innings as they trailed by 113 runs.Juyal formed a solid 83-run opening partnership with Swastik Chikara (41), giving Uttar Pradesh a strong start. Known for his preference to play on the offside, Juyal was circumspect yet controlled, playing with maturity on both sides of the wicket. He displayed excellent footwork to counter Bengal's spin duo of Shahbaz Ahmed and off-spinner Writtick Chatterjee.Bengal struck back, with left-arm spinner Shahbaz breaking the stand by trapping Chikara lbw. Mohammed Kaif, the younger brother of India pacer Mohammed Shami, then had Priyam Garg (2) trapped lbw, reducing UP to 86/2 as they lost two wickets for just three runs.However, Juyal found able support from Kolkata Knight Riders vice-captain Nitish Rana, who played an attacking knock of 32 off 59 balls, studded with three boundaries. The pair added 69 crucial runs for the third wicket before Shahbaz returned to dismiss Rana lbw early in his second spell.Siddarth Yadav (20 batting) then stood firm alongside his skipper, as the duo saw out the remainder of the day's play before bad light stopped play after 64 overs.Shahbaz was the most threatening bowler, shouldering the bulk of the bowling workload. He returned figures of 2/47 from 21 overs, maintaining pressure on the Uttar Pradesh batters. Kaif also impressed, claiming 1/23 from his 12 overs. Writtick, despite bowling 12 overs, remained wicketless and conceded 54 runs.Earlier in the day, Bengal resumed their innings at 269/7, with Shahbaz contributing a vital 44 from 80 balls to help Bengal cross the 300-run mark. Rising left-arm pacer Yash Dayal, who was part of the Test squad against Bangladesh, returned to action after a niggle, was exceptional with the ball, finishing with figures of 4/27. Debutant off-spinner Vipraj Nigam also impressed, claiming 4/81 as Bengal innings lasted 14.2 overs on day two to be bowled out in 96.2 overs.

N. Jagadeesan, Tamil Nadu's prolific batsman, has carried his impressive form from last season into the new Ranji Trophy campaign. On Saturday, he notched up a magnificent century against Saurashtra at the Sri Ramakrishna College Ground, a venue that holds special significance for him.Jagadeesan, who began his cricketing journey at the same ground as a 10-year-old, expressed his emotions after scoring his third First Class century at the venue. "It's a special feeling because this is where I grew up playing the game," he said. "I started my career here on a matting wicket, and I've been playing matches here since my under-13 days."Reflecting on his knock, the 28-year-old explained the challenges he faced. "The conditions were overcast, and the new ball offered some assistance off the pitch," he said. "Given the circumstances, it was important to react quickly and then test my patience as they started bowling outside off."Jagadeesan's partnership with B. Sai Sudharsan was characterized by excellent running between the wickets. The duo has consciously worked on this aspect over the last two years, recognizing that their right-left combination can unsettle bowlers.Jagadeesan's performances last year earned him a spot in the Duleep Trophy recently. However, the TN vice-captain emphasized that his focus remains on continuous improvement rather than results. "I'm not looking forward to anything in particular," he said. "A result is not a given. The only thing that is given is my process and the way I approach every innings."

The 2024-25 Ranji Trophy season has been plagued by inclement weather, with the latest victim being the Madhya Pradesh-Karnataka Elite Group-C match at the Holkar Stadium in Indore. The second day of the match was abandoned without a ball being bowled due to overnight rain that left the ground unplayable.The bowlers' run-up areas at both ends were particularly affected, and despite clear skies and sunshine throughout the day, they remained soggy and slippery. The groundstaff employed various methods to dry out the damp spots, including super-soppers, exhaust fans, and heavy rollers, but their efforts proved futile.This incident comes on the heels of another major venue, Kanpur, being criticized for its failure to restart play for two full days during the recently concluded Test series against Bangladesh. While Indore has experienced unseasonal rains in recent days, some locals and former office-bearers have alleged that much of the infrastructure, such as ground covers, was moved to Gwalior for a T20I match against Bangladesh last Sunday and had only returned on Saturday.However, Rohit Pandit, the Chief Administrative Officer of the Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association, denied these claims, stating that they generally do not cover the entire ground for domestic matches. He also expressed uncertainty about why the game could not be started despite the rain stopping at 4.30 a.m.The match was eventually called off at 3.55 p.m., with rain forecast until October 15. The decision to cover the entire ground with sheets will be at the discretion of the curator.

The festive spirit of Navratri extended to the outskirts of Vadodara as Baroda dominated the second day of their Ranji Trophy opener against defending champions Mumbai. The lower order added a crucial 49 runs to help Baroda post 290 runs on a turning track at the Vadodara International Cricket Stadium. The bowling unit, led by veteran left-arm spinner Bhargav Bhatt, then dismissed Mumbai for 214, securing a handy 76-run lead.Baroda's captain, Krunal Pandya, and coach's tactics proved effective as they shared the new ball with left-arm spin duo Bhargav Bhatt. Krunal dismissed Prithvi Shaw, while Ranji debutant Ayush Mhatre and Hardik Tamore saw off the morning session. Mhatre impressed with his inside-out lofted drive and ability to rotate strike. However, after reaching his maiden fifty, he miscued a pull shot, ending his promising innings.Mumbai's batting collapsed as they lost three wickets for one run in 18 balls. Tamore, Rahane, and Shreyas Iyer departed, leaving Mumbai reeling at 141 for five. Left-arm pacer Akash Singh then restricted Mumbai's lower order. He bowled a yorker that Siddhesh Lad played onto his stumps and an inswinger that rattled Tanush Kotian's stumps. Akash fittingly ended the innings by forcing Shardul Thakur to whip one to deep midwicket.Baroda's top-order must rectify their mistakes from the first innings to increase their chances of an outright win against Mumbai. The day belonged to the home team, who celebrated the last day of the Navratri festival.

Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh played to a stalemate on the opening day of their Ranji Trophy Elite Group-C encounter at the Holkar Stadium in Indore. The hosts, after being asked to bat first, reached 232 for four from 83 overs, with Harpreet Singh Bhatia's unbeaten 75 (164b, 8x4) being the highlight.Overnight rain provided some assistance to the bowlers, and Karnataka's Prasidh Krishna struck early, trapping Himanshu Mantri (0) in front in the second over. However, the outfield was slightly soggy, which seemed to affect the Karnataka fielders, who were hesitant in going for many a ball.MP's batters were patient for the most part, but a rush of blood cost Subhransu Senapati (28, 61b, 4x4) his wicket, as he miscued a pull off Vyshak to be caught by wicketkeeper Sujay Sateri. Yash Dubey (20, 76b, 2x4) was adjudged caught behind, down the leg-side, off left-arm spinner Hardik Raj, a decision the batter wasn't too happy with.Harpreet combined for crucial half-century partnerships with Shubham Sharma (40, 88b, 2x4) and Rajat Patidar (31, 61b, 3x4), which propped up the innings. Harpreet, a veteran of 75 First Class matches, showcased his pressure-handling skills when faced with some tight bowling.Post-tea, Venkatesh Iyer brought in some urgency (25, 46b, 2x6). As the sun broke through for the first time, Venkatesh bloomed, launching leggie Shreyas Gopal over mid-wicket for a maximum and then dancing down the track to hammer V. Koushik straight down the ground.Karnataka captain Mayank Agarwal impressed with a couple of diving saves, while an intruder ran in to click a selfie with Patidar but had to be content with a handshake after the on-field umpire's intervention.The match is evenly poised heading into day two, with both teams having a chance to take control of the contest.

Sunil Gavaskar, the legendary Indian batsman, left an indelible mark on the Ranji Trophy, India's premier domestic cricket competition. Playing for Bombay (now Mumbai), Gavaskar was a pivotal figure in their dominance during the 1970s and 1980s.Gavaskar's prowess in the Ranji Trophy was evident in his consistent run-scoring. His ability to accumulate runs in the domestic circuit mirrored his success on the international stage. He was one of the leading scorers in the tournament, amassing numerous centuries and providing Mumbai with solid starts.However, one particular match stands out in Gavaskar's Ranji Trophy career. In the 1981-82 semi-final against Karnataka at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Gavaskar surprised everyone by batting left-handed. The pitch was turning square, and Karnataka's spinner Raghuram Bhatt was posing a significant threat.In an interview with Ravichandran Ashwin on his YouTube channel, Gavaskar revealed the reason behind his unconventional decision. He explained that he had been dismissed by Bhatt in the first innings while batting right-handed. Facing defeat in the semi-final, Gavaskar decided to take a tactical gamble."I said to the manager, 'I am going to bat left-handed.' He said 'no no you can't do that.' I said look if I bat right-handed, I have no chance, he (Raghuram Bhatt) is going to get me in a few deliveries," Gavaskar recalled.As captain, Gavaskar had the authority to make the decision. He believed that batting left-handed would allow him to play the ball where it landed, reducing the chances of getting out to Bhatt's spin."As a left-hander, which I had never ever done even in the nets before, or even in my house before, I said let me go and try that. And that's exactly what happened I was playing where the ball was pitching, ball was turning and hitting me in the side or hitting me on the thigh pad. And that's it, that's how I survived playing Raghuram Bhatt and there was another leg-spinner, that's how I batted," Gavaskar said.Gavaskar's tactical move proved successful. He survived Bhatt's spin and helped Mumbai avoid an innings defeat. While some criticized his decision as a sign of pique, Gavaskar maintained that it was a purely tactical move."Having said that, let me tell you, if it was playing for India, I wouldn't have done that for sure. But here the match was gone, we had no chance, it was a matter of just trying to survive an innings defeat and that's what we did," he said.Gavaskar's legacy in the Ranji Trophy is as significant as his international career. He set an example for domestic players with his dedication and skill. His success in both domestic and international cricket established him as one of India's most celebrated cricketers.

Abhimanyu Easwaran, a prolific run-scorer for Bengal in domestic cricket, has been patiently awaiting his Test debut for India. Despite an impressive record of 7506 runs in 98 first-class games at an average of 47.65, the elusive Test cap remains out of reach.As the Ranji Trophy approaches, India's search for a back-up opener for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy intensifies. Easwaran remains determined to earn his place, focusing on controlling the controllables. "I try and focus on one day at a time. The dream has always been to play for the country," he says.Easwaran's recent performances in the Duleep Trophy and Irani Cup have showcased his talent. He scored 157 not out, 116, and 19 in the Duleep Trophy, followed by a remarkable 191 in the Irani Cup against Mumbai.Despite his impressive performances, Easwaran acknowledges that selection is beyond his control. "I can just control the things which I have in control – that is how hard I work, look forward to the games, and prepare for it," he says.Easwaran has gained valuable experience as part of the Indian Test team, including the historic victory over England at Lord's in 2021. He has observed the meticulous preparation of senior batters like Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara, learning from their specific game plans and practice routines.The 'A' tours have played a crucial role in India's Test success, providing players with exposure to international cricket and overseas conditions. Easwaran believes these tours are a "great bridge between domestic cricket and international cricket."Easwaran fondly recalls his century against England Lions in 2019, where he partnered with KL Rahul. He also praises the aggressive intent displayed by the Indian team in the second Test against Bangladesh in Kanpur, where they chased down 95 on day five to secure a remarkable victory.Easwaran believes that Test cricket remains vital, especially with the World Test Championship points at stake. "Every Test match is more like a World Cup game," he says. "Red-ball cricket will keep going like this and a lot of people will keep watching it, I'm sure."

India's explosive left-handed batter Ishan Kishan has made a triumphant return to the Jharkhand Ranji team as its captain, following a controversial pullout last season that led to his exclusion from the BCCI central contract.Kishan's absence from domestic cricket during the previous season, coupled with his participation in privately organized T20 tournaments, raised eyebrows within the BCCI. However, the 26-year-old has since worked his way back into the board's good books with strong performances in domestic cricket, including a century for India C in the Duleep Trophy.As captain of Jharkhand's 16-member squad, Kishan will lead a young team with last season's designated skipper Virat Singh as his deputy and Kumar Kushagra as the wicketkeeper. Jharkhand begins their Ranji Trophy campaign against Assam in Guwahati in Elite Group D.Kishan's return to the Jharkhand team is a significant development for the state side, which finished third from the bottom in Group A last season. The team's chairman of the selection committee, Subroto Das, expressed confidence in Kishan's leadership abilities, stating that he is capable of guiding the young squad to success this Ranji season.Kishan's journey back to the BCCI's good graces is a testament to his determination and resilience. After being dropped from the central contract, he worked tirelessly to regain his form and prove his worth. His strong performances in domestic cricket have earned him a second chance, and he will be eager to make the most of it.