Ajinkya Rahane’s masterclass keeps Mumbai in command

Former India captain Ajinkya Rahane produced a masterclass innings of 159 to guide Mumbai to 406 for eight in their first innings on a rain-hit second day of the Ranji Trophy Elite Group D clash against Chhattisgarh at the BKC Ground. Rahane, who had retired hurt on the first day at 118 due to cramps, returned to the crease and played a patient innings spanning 303 balls, hitting 21 boundaries before being caught behind off Aditya Sarwate (4/103).

Mumbai resumed at 251 for five, and despite limited play just 46 overs due to rain Rahane and Akash Anand (60 off 148 balls, 5 fours) ensured the team built a solid total. Tushar Deshpande remained unbeaten on 4 at stumps, holding the lower order together.

Delhi build strong lead over Himachal Pradesh

At the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi posted a massive 430 in their first innings before reducing Himachal Pradesh to 165 for three, leading by 265 runs. Delhi’s innings saw contributions across the lineup, with openers Arpit Rana (64), Sanat Sangwan (79), and No. 3 Yash Dhull (61) all passing fifty. Lower-order batters also chipped in, with Ayush Doseja making 75, Sumit Mathur 51, and Anuj Rawat adding a quickfire 57 off 66 balls, including three sixes and four fours.

Himachal Pradesh’s Sidhant Purohit held the innings with a patient 70 off 165 balls, but late wickets to India pacer Navdeep Saini and Sumit Mathur put the visitors under pressure.

Jammu & Kashmir dominate Rajasthan; Hyderabad overwhelms Puducherry

Jammu and Kashmir, last year’s quarterfinalists, were firmly in control against Rajasthan at the Sher-e-Kashmir Stadium in Srinagar. After posting 282 in the first innings, J&K reduced Rajasthan to 152 before leaving them at 41 for five in the second innings. A spectacular spell by Auqib Nabi, taking 5 wickets for just 5 runs in 6 overs, left Rajasthan struggling to stay afloat, giving J&K a commanding position in the match.

In Puducherry, Hyderabad piled up a massive 435 in their first innings, led by Rahul Gahlaut’s 114 and supported by half-centuries from Tanmay Agarwal (50), Kodimela Himateja (66), and Rahul Radesh (81). Puducherry, in reply, reached 25 for one, trailing by 410 runs, showing Hyderabad’s dominance in the contest.

Brief scores:

Mumbai vs Chhattisgarh: 406/8 in 130 overs (Ajinkya Rahane 159, Siddhesh Lad 80, Akash Anand 60; Aditya Sarwate 4/103, Ravi Kiran 3/53) Delhi vs Himachal Pradesh: 430 & 165/3 in 55 overs (Arpit Rana 64, Sanat Sangwan 79, Yash Dhull 61; Navdeep Saini 2/20) lead by 265 runs J&K vs Rajasthan: 282 & 41/5 in 20 overs (Auqib Nabi 5/5) lead by 89 runs Hyderabad vs Puducherry:* 435 (Rahul Gahlaut 114, Rahul Radesh 81, Kodimela Himateja 66) lead 25/1 by 410 runs

Rain interruptions could not dampen the individual brilliance, particularly Rahane’s fighting knock, ensuring Mumbai remain in a strong position in Group D.