The Ranji Trophy 2024-25 season commenced on Friday with 32 teams vying for the coveted title. However, the opening day proved to be a challenging one for several prominent batters hoping to earn a recall to the Indian Test team. Cheteshwar Pujara, Hanuma Vihari, Wriddhiman Saha, and Rajat Patidar all fell short of expectations, jeopardizing their chances of impressing the national selectors.
Here’s a closer look at their underwhelming performances:
Cheteshwar Pujara: Absent from the Rohit Sharma-led Indian Test team since 2023, Pujara failed to capitalize on the opportunity to showcase his form. Representing Saurashtra against Tamil Nadu, he could only muster 16 runs off 41 deliveries before being dismissed. His struggles contributed to Saurashtra being bowled out for a paltry 203 in their first innings.
Wriddhiman Saha: Once a mainstay behind the stumps for India, Saha endured a forgettable outing for Bengal against Uttar Pradesh. He was dismissed for a golden duck, facing a mere six balls. Despite his early departure, Bengal managed to recover and post a respectable 269 for seven wickets by the end of day one.
Krunal Pandya: The elder Pandya brother also failed to make a significant impact on the opening day. Playing for Baroda against Mumbai, he scored a sluggish 21 runs off 38 balls, including a solitary boundary and two sixes. Baroda finished day one at 241 runs in their first innings.
Rajat Patidar: Considered a key batsman for Madhya Pradesh, Patidar disappointed in their opening match against Karnataka. He struggled to find his rhythm, managing just 31 runs off 61 balls before being dismissed. Despite his struggles, Madhya Pradesh reached a respectable 232 for four wickets at stumps, thanks to Harpreet Singh Bhatia’s unbeaten 75.
Hanuma Vihari: Last seen in Indian colors during the 2022 England tour, Vihari’s hopes of a comeback suffered a setback. Playing for Andhra Pradesh against Vidarbha, he was dismissed for a single run off four balls. His dismissal contributed to Andhra’s dismal total of 118 runs, leaving them with an uphill battle.
These lackluster performances from seasoned campaigners will be a cause for concern as they look to regain their place in the Indian Test side.
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