The 2023-24 Ranji Trophy season delivered another thrilling round of cricket, headlined by three double centuries and Vidarbha’s dominant display. Here’s a breakdown of the key performances:
Karun Nair’s Stunning 202* Revives Karnataka
Former India star Karun Nair roared back to form with an unbeaten 202 against Railways. The Karnataka captain’s knock (24 fours, 3 sixes) blended grit and aggression, reigniting his Test cricket prospects. His innings showcased why he remains one of domestic cricket’s most technically sound batters.
Smaran G’s Breakthrough 205 for Hyderabad
22-year-old Smaran G announced his arrival with a career-best 205 vs Saurashtra. Defying a strong attack (Unadkat, Sakariya), the left-hander’s 28-boundary knock rescued Hyderabad and put him on national selectors’ radar.
Mohan G’s Unbeaten 203 Powers Tamil Nadu
Mohan G (203*) anchored Tamil Nadu’s innings against Punjab with a 400-ball marathon. His acceleration in the later stages and consistency make him a strong candidate to fill Dinesh Karthik’s shoes in the long format.
Vidarbha’s Squad Depth Shines Against Maharashtra
The defending champions flexed their bench strength despite missing stars like Faiz Fazal and Umesh Yadav:
– Atharva Taide (147) and Akshay Wadkar (98) led the batting.
– Aditya Sarwate (5-wicket haul) starred with the ball.
This all-round performance cements Vidarbha’s status as a title favorite.
Other Key Highlights
- Ricky Bhui (Andhra): 175 vs Mumbai’s star attack
- B. Indrajith (Tamil Nadu): 164 in dominant display
- Shams Mulani (Mumbai): 7-wicket haul with left-arm spin
Road to the Knockouts
With Karnataka, Vidarbha, and Tamil Nadu emerging as early frontrunners, the race for quarterfinal spots promises high-stakes cricket in upcoming rounds.
