Ranji Trophy 2026/27: Pradosh Ranjan credits mental discipline, defensive work behind hundred against Uttarakhand

Tamil Nadu batter Pradosh Ranjan Paul scored 136 off 279 balls against Uttarakhand. | Photo Credit: B. JOTHI RAMALINGAM

Pradosh Ranjan Paul has started the 2026-27 domestic season strongly, following up his 58 in the first game with a crucial 136 against Uttarakhand here on Monday.

The 25-year-old was relieved after failing to convert his last few First-Class starts, stretching back to the previous season.

“Definitely, it was very important. In my last three first-class games coming into the game, I was getting out in the 80s; at the start of the season, I got out for [58]. So, that was obviously on my mind: if I get set this game, I’ll try to make it [big],” said Pradosh about his knock.

“It wasn’t the bowlers who were getting me out. It was that one rash shot which got me out. So, I was very aware when I was batting that I wasn’t going to gift my wicket and was going to play on the merit of the ball.”

READ | Pradosh’s gritty hundred earns Tamil Nadu big lead against Uttarakhand

For someone known for flashy drives and an aggressive brand of cricket, Pradosh was circumspect against the spinners, especially on the off-side and preferred to play with the turn.

“I think it all sums up to mental discipline. Especially when your team needs you to do a certain role, you need to put the team ahead. I did the same thing today because I knew I should value my wicket. I was the one who was settled yesterday. So, subconsciously, I was just thinking that I should bat as long as possible,” he added.

The left-hander explained that he has been working on his defensive game and trying to bat for time in this format, and he credited B. Aprajith and Tanveer Jabbar, with whom he has been working recently.

“I’ve been working on my defence a lot for the past couple of years because deep down I know that I have the shots, but in this format, time is your friend. That is something I’ve learnt over the past couple of years: I should bat time, and eventually the runs are going to flow,” said Pradosh.