NEW DELHI: Jharkhand captain Ishan Kishan delivered a powerful response to his recent exclusion from the Indian team, crafting a magnificent century that rescued his side from a precarious situation. On the opening day of the Ranji Trophy season, Kishan remained unbeaten on a masterful 125 runs from 183 balls. His brilliant knock, combined with a crucial 150-run, unbroken seventh-wicket partnership with Sahil Raj (who finished the day on 64 not out), propelled Jharkhand to a respectable total of 307 for six against Tamil Nadu.
Earlier in the day, Jharkhand found themselves in deep trouble, facing the prospect of being dismissed for less than 200 runs. However, the resilient partnership between Kishan and Raj not only stabilized the innings but also built a commanding total. For Tamil Nadu, left-arm pacer Gurjapneet Singh was the standout bowler with three early wickets, while seasoned left-arm spinner DT Chandrasekar, making his comeback to Ranji cricket after a ten-year hiatus, contributed with two crucial dismissals.
In other Ranji Trophy action, defending champions Vidarbha also showcased their batting prowess against Nagaland at the Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. They concluded Day 1 with a strong score of 302 for three, largely thanks to an outstanding unbeaten 148 from opener Aman Mokhade. Dhruv Shorey added a solid 64, and Yash Rathod remained unconquered on 66, setting a formidable foundation.
Meanwhile, in Kanpur, Andhra enjoyed a dominant start to their campaign against Uttar Pradesh. Opener and wicket-keeper batter KS Bharat led the charge with a patient yet impactful 144 runs off 244 deliveries, featuring 13 boundaries. He was well-supported by number three batter Shaik Rasheed, who crafted an unbeaten 94, ensuring Andhra ended the day in a very strong position.