Ranji Trophy 2026/27: Shubham, Atharva frustrate J&K with solid partnership for Madhya Pradesh
Atharva Mahajan remained unbeaten on 35 at the end of the third day’s play. | Photo Credit: IMRAN NISSAR
Atharva Mahajan remained unbeaten on 35 at the end of the third day’s play. | Photo Credit: IMRAN NISSAR
Overcast conditions offered Jammu and Kashmir a glimmer of hope on Tuesday. But an uninspired bowling display and sloppy fielding meant the home side failed to make the most of the opportunity against Madhya Pradesh in its Ranji Trophy Group A fixture.
Heavy rain forced an early end to the day’s play, but not before MP tightened its grip on the contest.
J&K managed just one wicket in the morning session at the Sher-i-Kashmir Stadium, conceding 70 runs in 30 overs. Captain Shubham Sharma remained unbeaten on 51 (132b, 2x4, 1x6), with Atharva Mahajan on 35 (84b, 4x4), as MP reached 151 for five, extending its lead to 227.
The body language of the J&K players told its own story.
Having failed to capitalise on familiar conditions, the home side appeared to have let the game drift away despite an opportunity to fight back. After Auqib Nabi reignited hopes with two wickets the other day, J&K needed early breakthroughs to stay in contention. However, neither Nabi nor Sunil Kumar could add to their wicket tally on Tuesday, as the bowlers struggled to maintain pressure and allowed MP to settle in.
The fielding did little to help, with missed opportunities and lapses allowing MP to consolidate its position.
It took nearly an hour for J&K to find its first breakthrough of the day, with Aryan Pandey caught at gully by Shubham Pundir off a Rohit Sharma delivery. By then, MP had already begun to frustrate the home attack.
Shubham took charge thereafter, bringing up another half-century and ensuring MP did not lose its way. He forged an unbroken 64-run partnership with Atharva for the sixth wicket, steadily strengthening his team’s position.
With heavy rain forecast for Wednesday, MP’s first-innings lead gives it the edge in a contest where the weather could prove decisive.
Published on Oct 13, 2026
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