The third round of the 2024/25 Ranji Trophy season featured several standout performances that have heightened interest in the tournament. As a crucial platform for players to showcase their skills and catch the attention of national selectors, the competition has not disappointed. The most recent round of matches delivered thrilling contests, match-winning displays, and moments of heartbreak.
Rajat Patidar recently grabbed headlines with a blistering 159 off just 102 balls for Madhya Pradesh, dismantling Haryana’s bowling attack. This performance will boost his confidence as he looks to overcome past struggles with consistency. After his 13th first-class century, Patidar aims to build on his red-hot form. Meanwhile, Vijay Shankar, who had been off the radar for some time, made a triumphant return with an unbeaten hundred, helping Tamil Nadu secure a crucial draw against Chhattisgarh. The timing of Shankar’s knock made it all the more significant.
Hyderabad’s Tanay Thyagarajan had a dream outing with the ball, dismantling Pondicherry’s lineup and guiding his team to a commanding win by an innings and 50 runs. Using variations smartly, Thyagarajan consistently struck at key moments to register impressive figures of 7/106. In the same fixture, Tanmay Agarwal displayed his batting ability with a stellar knock of 173, that showcased immense maturity.
Meanwhile, Baroda skipper Krunal Pandya was in sublime form, smashing a brilliant 119 off 143 deliveries. His aggressive approach not only kept Odisha’s bowlers under pressure but also gave Baroda a crucial advantage in the contest, eventually helping them win.
There were a few other stunning batting performances which caught the eye in this particular round of the Ranji Trophy. Himachal Pradesh skipper Rishi Dhawan led from the front, playing a marathon knock of 195 off 318 deliveries, rescuing his team from a precarious situation. The innings was Dhawan’s highest score in the Ranji Trophy, making it even more special under pressure.
Meanwhile, Agni Chopra, son of renowned filmmaker Vidhu Vinod Chopra, continued his sensational form, smashing his second consecutive double-century against Manipur. Batting at No. 3 for Mizoram, Chopra has shown remarkable consistency and is steadily making a case for closer scrutiny from the selectors.
Ayush Mhatre, the young Mumbai batter, also made headlines with a sensational performance. Mhatre notched up his maiden first-class century in style, scoring a commanding 176 against Maharashtra. His knock was filled with flair and maturity, leaving a lasting impression. It’s an innings that will be remembered for a long time and marked the arrival of a promising talent on the domestic circuit.
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