The sprawling expanse of the Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium played host to a display of cricketing prowess as the defending champions, Saurashtra, commenced the Ranji Trophy 2024 season with a commanding performance against Jharkhand on January 6. Seasoned batsman Cheteshwar Pujara made headlines as he struck an unbeaten century, furthering the narrative of his comeback story and placing pressure on national team selectors with an English Test series on the horizon.
At the age of 35 and having been excluded from India’s recent Test series against South Africa, Pujara’s prowess at the crease remained undimmed as he amassed 157 not out from 239 deliveries, decorated with 19 boundaries. This masterclass in batting left Jharkhand reeling as Saurashtra, after skittling the opposition out for a meagre 142 on the first day, ended Day 2 on an imposing 406 for the loss of four wickets. Complementing Pujara’s efforts, Arpit Vasavada, Harvik Desai, and Sheldon Jackson each contributed half-centuries to their team’s formidable total.
In another part of the country at the KSCA Hubli Cricket Ground, the eight-time champions Karnataka set forth their campaign with a promising start against Punjab. The young right-arm pacer Vasuki Koushik proved to be a revelation, claiming seven wickets for just 41 runs to dismantle Punjab for 152. The batting unit of Karnataka then took center stage on Day 2. While skipper Mayank Agarwal could not make his mark, falling for a duck, there was no dearth of run-scoring as Devdutt Padikkal and Manish Pandey notched up centuries. Padikkal was particularly explosive, registering his highest first-class score of 193 runs off 216 balls, while Pandey showcased his experience with a well-composed 118, steering Karnataka to a towering 461/6 by the close of play.
Meanwhile, the Group B opener witnessed Mumbai, led by Ajinkya Rahane, lock horns with Bihar in Patna. Rahane’s absence due to neck pain shifted the focus onto Sarfaraz Khan, a hopeful for India’s Test squad. However, Sarfaraz faltered, scoring just one run, following a series of low scores in the preceding Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and Vijay Hazare Trophy. The Mumbai side, feeling the void left by their captain, were bundled out for 251, setting the stage for an engaging domestic contest moving forward.
The domestic circuit’s offerings did not end there, with several Test probables looking to make an impact and reclaim their spots within the national team. Veterans and young talents alike aimed to impress, knowing that good performances in India’s premier domestic first-class competition can pave the way back into international cricket.
More beyond the scores, David Warner’s recent statements extolling the virtues of Test cricket as the sport’s pinnacle and the announcement of Afghanistan’s T20I squad for their upcoming series against India served as reminders of the rich fabric of cricket that extends from grassroots to international arenas.
The opening fixtures of the Ranji Trophy 2024, while placing a spotlight on outstanding individual achievements, also brought into sharp relief the varying fortunes of star players. While some, like Pujara and Padikkal, took strides towards securing their places in the annals of domestic cricket with memorable innings, others like Mayank and Sarfaraz were left to reflect on what could have been. As the season unfolds, the tapestry of stories will become richer, with tales of comebacks, milestones, and perhaps, redemption on the cricketing grounds of India.
