KS Bharat, Ishan Kishan slam centuries; Shami shines as Ranji Trophy 2025–26 kicks off
New Delhi: The 2025–26 Ranji Trophy season began with wicketkeeper-batters KS Bharat and Ishan Kishan making powerful statements with the bat on Day 1, each scoring a century for their respective sides, according to Wisden.
For Andhra Pradesh, Bharat — India’s reserve Test wicketkeeper in recent years — showcased his class with a fluent 144 against Uttar Pradesh at Green Park, Kanpur. Opening the innings, he stitched a 93-run partnership with Abhishek Reddy (36) and later built another crucial stand with Shaik Rasheed. His 244-ball knock, featuring 13 boundaries, ended when Aaqib Khan (2/50) dismissed him and Ricky Bhui in the same over. Andhra finished Day 1 strongly at 289/3, with Rasheed unbeaten on 94.
Meanwhile, in Coimbatore, Ishan Kishan led Jharkhand’s fightback against Tamil Nadu. Coming in at 79/3 and later watching his team slide to 157/6, Kishan counterattacked superbly, smashing 125 off 183 balls, including 14 fours and two sixes. Partnering with Sahil Raj (64), he lifted Jharkhand to 307/6 by stumps.
In Group B, Kerala dominated Maharashtra on Day 1. Opting to field first after winning the toss, Kerala’s pacers ripped through Maharashtra’s top order, reducing them to 0/3 within two overs. MD Nidheesh struck twice in his opening over, trapping Prithvi Shaw for a duck and removing Siddhesh Veer next ball. Basil NP joined the attack soon after, dismissing Arshin Kulkarni with Rohan Kunnummal taking a sharp catch at slips.
Nidheesh (4 wickets) and Basil (2 wickets) continued their assault, with Maharashtra collapsing to 18/5 before Ruturaj Gaikwad (91 off 151) and Jalaj Saxena (49) steadied the innings with a 122-run stand. Once Saxena fell to Nidheesh and Gaikwad was trapped LBW by Eden Apple Tom, Maharashtra ended the day at 179/7, with Vicky Oswal (10*) and Ramakrishna Ghosh (11*) unbeaten.
Elsewhere, Karnataka’s Devdutt Padikkal (96) and Karun Nair (73) powered their side to 295/5 against Saurashtra.
At Eden Gardens, Bengal’s pacers dominated Uttarakhand. Suraj Sindhu Jaiswal led with 4/54, while Ishan Porel (3/40) and Mohammed Shami (3/37) shared six wickets between them.
In Srinagar, Mumbai faced early setbacks at 74/3 after losing Musheer Khan, Ajinkya Rahane, and Ayush Mhatre cheaply. However, Siddesh Lad (116) and Shams Mulani (79*) rebuilt the innings, supported by Sarfaraz Khan’s 42.
Meanwhile in Hyderabad, Delhi captain Ayush Badoni struck a composed half-century, while Sanat Sangwan (91*) and Ayush Doseja (97*) guided Delhi to a commanding position by stumps.
