Ranji Trophy 2026-27: Mohan sparkles for Jharkhand on opening day against Kerala

Shikhar Mohan scored 143 off 196 balls for Jharkhand on their opening day of the Ranji Trophy match against Kerala in Jamshedpur. | Photo Credit: P. K. Ajith Kumar

Tournaments change; Shikhar Mohan’s form doesn’t. After making 85 and 52 in the Duleep Trophy final and then 60 in the Irani Cup, the left-handed opener scored 143 (196b, 18x4, 2x6) for Jharkhand on the opening day of the Ranji Trophy match against Kerala at the Keenan Stadium here on Sunday.

It was the first hundred of the 92nd edition of India’s premier domestic tournament.

Mohan’s hundred and his partnerships for the first and second wickets had put the host in a strong position, but Kerala fought back to ensure the honours were even on the opening day. Jharkhand finished at 289 for five on what looks to be a good wicket to bat on.

At one stage, Jharkhand was 250 for one, but it lost four wickets in the next 29 runs – a collapse caused by fine spells of off-spin from Jalaj Saxena and Vaisakh Chandran.

ALSO READ | Ranji Trophy 2026-27: Rohit shines as J&K runs through Madhya Pradesh on opening day

Earlier, the home team, batting first after winning the toss, was given a fine start of 87 by Mohan and his opening partner Sharandeep Singh (33, 92, 3x2). They saw off a probing spell with the new ball by the hard-working M.D. Nidheesh.

Kerala was struggling for a breakthrough, which came only after 26 overs: Jalaj removing Sharandeep with a ball that turned and disturbed the leg stump.

Utkarsh Singh (71, 147b, 9x4) now joined Mohan, and the pair looked in control. Their stand was worth 163 when Mohan missed the line and was bowled out by Chandran. The 21-year-old, who had spent an eternity in the 90s before reaching his third Ranji hundred with a clean six off Jalaj, had begun to open up.

Utkarsh followed him soon in the dressing room.

Chandran then removed Robin Minz and M.D. Kounain Quraishi in quick succession, and it took a dogged effort from captain Virat Singh to see to it that there was no further damage till Stumps.

Published on Oct 11, 2026

Latest on Sportstar

1. Live Blog 2026-10-11T18:17:26+05:30

   IND vs WI, 3rd T20I LIVE score: Abhishek dismissed for 69, West Indies dominate early proceedings
2. Ranji Trophy 2026-27: Mohan sparkles for Jharkhand on opening day against Kerala

3. Live Blog 2026-10-11T19:30:52+05:30

   Liverpool vs Manchester City LIVE score: Haaland, Wirtz in starting lineup; City's first game after guilty charges