Sarfaraz Khan and Rajat Patidar dominate Ranji Trophy with stunning centuries

Sarfaraz Khan and Rajat Patidar dominate Ranji Trophy with stunning centuries

Rajat Patidar and Sarfaraz Khan Strike Ranji Trophy Centuries as Madhya Pradesh and Mumbai Take Control

The 2026-27 Ranji Trophy season has begun with a pair of commanding batting performances from two familiar names in Indian cricket. Madhya Pradesh captain and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) skipper Rajat Patidar scored an unbeaten century against Pondicherry, while Mumbai batter Sarfaraz Khan produced another substantial first-class hundred against Himachal Pradesh.

Both innings helped their teams build strong positions after contrasting starts. Madhya Pradesh recovered from a modest first-innings total by Pondicherry, while Mumbai capitalised on a devastating bowling display from Tushar Deshpande before Sarfaraz took charge with the bat. Their early-season performances offer an encouraging sign for their respective teams and provide plenty for domestic cricket followers to watch as the competition develops.

Rajat Patidar’s unbeaten hundred lifts Madhya Pradesh

Patidar made his mark in Madhya Pradesh’s Elite match against Pondicherry at the CAP Siechem Ground in Thuthipet. Batting at No. 6, he reached three figures in 114 deliveries and finished the day unbeaten on 107 from 118 balls. His innings included 13 fours and came at a strike rate of 90.68, giving Madhya Pradesh valuable momentum in the middle and late stages of the innings.

His contribution was particularly important after Pondicherry had been dismissed for 177. Madhya Pradesh ended Day 2 on 302/5, moving 125 runs ahead with five wickets still in hand. Patidar’s ability to score freely without losing his wicket put the hosts in a position to press for a substantial first-innings lead.

Rathore and Shubham Sharma provide important support

Patidar was not the only Madhya Pradesh batter to make a significant contribution. Chanchal Rathore scored a patient 78 from 204 balls, while Shubham Sharma added 58 off 106 deliveries. Their partnerships helped steady the innings and ensured that Patidar could build on a platform rather than carry the scoring burden alone.

Pondicherry had struggled to establish a strong total earlier in the match. Ritesh Ashok Gudge was the only batter to reach a half-century, while none of his teammates scored more than 25. Madhya Pradesh’s bowlers shared the work: Ravi Kiran claimed three wickets, and Aryan Pandey, Saransh Jain and Kumar Kartikeya took two apiece.

With Patidar set and several wickets remaining, Madhya Pradesh will be looking to extend its advantage when play resumes. The match prediction will depend in part on whether Pondicherry can break the partnership early and limit the first-innings deficit. If Madhya Pradesh adds another substantial total, the visitors could face a difficult task in their second innings.

Sarfaraz Khan continues his prolific first-class run

At the Luhnu Cricket Stadium in Bilaspur, Sarfaraz Khan delivered another standout performance for Mumbai against Himachal Pradesh. The right-hander brought up his 18th first-class century in 151 balls and was unbeaten on 139 from 213 deliveries at stumps. He struck 18 fours and scored at a rate above 65, combining patience with the ability to punish loose bowling.

Mumbai had lost both openers cheaply, with Divyaansh Saxena dismissed for nine and Angkrish Raghuvanshi making 20. Musheer Khan and captain Siddhesh Lad helped stabilise the innings with half-centuries, but Sarfaraz’s extended stay at the crease turned a recovery into a position of control.

Mumbai reached 398/4 by the close of Day 2, a commanding response to Himachal Pradesh’s first-innings score of 140. Sarfaraz’s unbeaten innings leaves Mumbai well placed to push beyond 400 and build a sizeable lead, although the final advantage will depend on how quickly the remaining batters can add runs.

Deshpande’s four-wicket burst sets up Mumbai

Before Sarfaraz’s century, Tushar Deshpande led Mumbai’s attack with four wickets for 46 runs in 13.5 overs. Sylvester D’Souza added two wickets as Himachal Pradesh struggled to build partnerships. Captain Pukhraj Mann scored 35, wicketkeeper-batter Vaibhav Kalta made 33 and Akash Vasisht contributed 39, but no other batter passed 30.

The contrast between the two sides’ first innings was decisive. Mumbai’s bowlers kept the opposition to a low total, and the batters then made the most of favourable conditions. Sarfaraz’s innings was central to that response: he absorbed pressure after the early dismissals, rotated the strike and kept the scoring moving once established.

Why the early-season centuries matter

Patidar and Sarfaraz arrive at the new Ranji campaign with different responsibilities, but both have shown the value of experience in demanding four-day cricket. Patidar’s innings strengthened Madhya Pradesh’s position as captain, while Sarfaraz once again demonstrated his reputation as a high-volume scorer in domestic competition.

Strong Ranji performances can also shape wider conversations about India’s batting depth and selection. A single innings does not guarantee an international opportunity, but consistent first-class output gives players a compelling case when selectors assess form, technique and readiness. For now, the immediate focus is on converting these starts into match-winning results.

As the season progresses, fans will be tracking whether Patidar can guide Madhya Pradesh to a decisive lead and whether Sarfaraz can turn his unbeaten 139 into an even larger score. Both matches remain in a promising position for the century-makers’ teams, but the next innings will determine whether these impressive starts become complete statements of early-season intent.

Latest News