Cricket enthusiasts in Tinsukia witnessed an extraordinary spectacle as Services bowlers Arjun Sharma and Mohit Jangra etched their names into the Ranji Trophy annals, claiming two remarkable hat-tricks in the same innings. This marked a truly historic first in the prestigious tournament’s long and celebrated history.
The eagerly anticipated second-round clash of the 2025–26 Ranji Trophy season between Assam and Services, held at the Tinsukia District Sports Association Ground, carried extra significance as it was the venue’s first First-Class match in 24 years. However, no one could have predicted the breathtaking exhibition of bowling dominance and statistical rarity that unfolded on Day 1.
Assam, led by Riyan Parag, won the toss and elected to bat first, only to quickly find themselves in disarray. Services’ left-arm spinner, Arjun Sharma, delivered the first devastating blow, dismissing Parag, wicketkeeper Sumit Ghadigaonkar, and Sibsankar Roy in three successive deliveries to complete the season’s first hat-trick, leaving Assam reeling at a precarious 45 for five.
The hosts’ struggles intensified after lunch when left-arm pacer Mohit Jangra unleashed his own sensational spell, securing the innings’ second hat-trick. He brilliantly removed opener Pradyun Saikia, who had top-scored with a brisk 52 off 42 balls, followed by Mukhtar Hussain and Bhargab Lakhar, marking his maiden First-Class hat-trick.
Arjun Sharma then completed his impressive figures of 5 for 46, as Assam were swiftly bowled out for a mere 103 runs in just 17.3 overs.
This incredible achievement marks the first time in Ranji Trophy history that two different bowlers have taken hat-tricks in the same innings. The only comparable instance in Indian First-Class cricket dates back to 1963, when Services’ Joginder Singh Rao famously took two hat-tricks in a single innings against Northern Punjab in Amritsar, a record that still stands unmatched by a single player.
But the drama didn’t conclude there. Assam skipper Riyan Parag, not to be outdone, responded with a fiery bowling spell of his own, snatching five wickets—including three in just four balls—as Services also found themselves struggling in their reply. Both teams engaged in a thrilling exchange of hat-trick opportunities and rapid wickets, with the match seeing a staggering 20 dismissals in under 47 overs before the Tea break.
It was a day etched in history, filled with pure chaos and unforgettable cricket in Tinsukia.