Ranji Trophy 2025: Nair, Smaran, Mohan Score Double Tons – Vidarbha Depth
- Here's a breakdown of the key information from the provided text, focusing on the Ranji Trophy performances and player stories:
- * Double Century: Karun Nair scored a double century (233 off 389 balls) against Kerala in Mangalapuram.
- * Double Century: R Smaran scored a career-best 220 not out.
Here’s a breakdown of the key information from the provided text, focusing on the Ranji Trophy performances and player stories:
Karun Nair‘s Resurgent Form & Frustration
* Double Century: Karun Nair scored a double century (233 off 389 balls) against Kerala in Mangalapuram. This is his fifth first-class double hundred and third as 2024.
* Omission from Test Squad: He was dropped from the India Test squad for the series against West Indies in favor of Devdutt Padikkal. The chief selector, Ajit Agarkar, stated they “expected a little bit more” from his recent performances (205 runs in 8 innings at an average of 25.62).
* Response with the Bat: Nair responded with an unbeaten 174 against goa and then the double century against Kerala, expressing his belief that he “deserves” to be in the India Test team. He feels he hasn’t been given enough prospect.
* Partnership with Smaran: He had a significant 343-run partnership with R Smaran (who also scored a double century – 220 not out) for the fourth wicket.They came close to breaking the Karnataka first-class record for the fourth wicket (354).
R smaran’s Performance
* Double Century: R Smaran scored a career-best 220 not out.
* key Partnership: His partnership with Nair was crucial for karnataka.
Shikhar Mohan’s Emergence
* Double Century: Jharkhand’s Shikhar Mohan (207 off 303 balls) also scored a double century against Nagaland in Ranchi.
* Rookie Success: Mohan is a 20-year-old making a strong start to his Ranji Trophy career, having been a prolific run-scorer in age-group cricket.
* Key Partnership: He had a 253-run partnership with Virat Singh (standing in as captain for Ishan Kishan).
* Context: Ishan Kishan was with the India A team as cover for an injured player.
Key Themes:
* Ranji Trophy as a Platform: The Ranji Trophy is being used by players like Nair and Mohan to demonstrate their form and push for national selection.
* Selection Debate: Nair’s situation highlights the ongoing debate about selection criteria and giving players opportunities.
* Emerging Talent: the article spotlights the emergence of young players like Smaran and Mohan.