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Bengal beat Kerala by 287 runs in the Ranji Trophy Group C match at Thiruvananthapuram, with Pradipta Pramanik and Shahbaz Ahmed starring in a dominant all-round performance.
Recovering from a top-order collapse, Kerala reached 245 for six against Odisha on day one. Sachin Baby scored a classy century and Mohammed Azharuddeen remained unbeaten on 72, anchoring a crucial 141-run partnership.
While India won cricket golds and ODIs, the Irani Cup showcased promising J&K bowlers Sunil Kumar and Lone Nasir, and Karnataka batsman Ravichandran Smaran, highlighting their grit.
Both Saxena and Sarwate were key to Kerala's previous successful Ranji Trophy campaign but left last season for personal reasons.
Vishnu Vinod will lead a 14-member Kerala team that is set to play two multi-day practice matches in Srinagar between July 23 and 29.
Kerala have been placed in a difficult Elite Group C for the 2026-27 Ranji Trophy season, facing strong teams like Bengal, Delhi, and Gujarat.
Sports can act as a panacea for most of the ills and problems plaguing the state by providing an alternate avenue for restless youth to expend their energies and open new vistas for a productive, gainful life.
Jammu and Kashmir achieved their maiden Ranji Trophy title by outplaying traditional powerhouse Karnataka, securing the championship with a significant first-innings lead after a draw in the final. The historic victory, culminating 67 years of participation in the tournament, was highlighted by strong performances from opener Qamran Iqbal who scored an unbeaten 160, and Sahil Lotra with 101 not out in the second innings, extending their first-innings advantage of 291 runs to a commanding 633. Pacer Auqib Nabi was instrumental throughout the season and in the final, while skipper Paras Dogra became the second batter to surpass 10,000 Ranji Trophy runs, underscoring a remarkable team effort that defied expectations against a Karnataka side brimming with Indian stars.
Karnataka and Jammu & Kashmir will play the final of the Ranji Trophy at Hubballi, starting February 24.
Despite Mohammed Shami’s 8/90, Bengal were in trouble at close of Day 3, with Jammu & Kashmir needing 83 more to win, with eight wickets in hand.
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