Ranji Trophy 2025-26: Atit Sheth hundred takes Baroda to 375, Tamil Nadu openers fight back
Atit Sheth led from the front for Baroda with a stodgy century (109, 241b, 11×4) and steered his side to a first-innings total of 375 against Tamil Nadu on day two of the final Ranji Trophy league (Elite Group A) encounter here at the Salem Cricket Foundation ground on Friday.
For the hosts, 17-year-old off-spinner J. Hemchudeshan was the pick of the bowlers, scalping six wickets (36.3-5-120-6) — his maiden five-for — while skipper R. Sai Kishore accounted for the rest.
In reply, TN openers R. Vimal Khumar (66 batting) and S.R. Athish (42 batting) showcased their free-flowing strokeplay to take the home team to 118 without loss at stumps.
Vimal punched regally off the back foot for a few boundaries, while the aggressive Athish ramped the pacers over slips and charged down the track to loft Ninad Rathva over the ropes.
For Tamil Nadu, 17-year-old off-spinner J. Hemchudeshan was the pick of the bowlers, scalping six wickets — his maiden five-for.
| Photo Credit:
E LAKSHMI NARAYANAN
For Tamil Nadu, 17-year-old off-spinner J. Hemchudeshan was the pick of the bowlers, scalping six wickets — his maiden five-for.
| Photo Credit:
E LAKSHMI NARAYANAN
TN’s approach was in stark contrast to Baroda’s earlier in the day. Unlike on the opening morning, there was no assistance from the pitch for the TN bowlers on Friday, despite a new cherry at their disposal.
The placid conditions made life easier for overnight batters Atit and Sukirt Pandey, but the duo were content to score at a glacial pace, showing little urgency.
Atit, who received a reprieve on 14 on day one, compounded TN’s misery through his solid defence. He picked up the occasional boundary, driving with assurance when the bowlers overpitched.
It was only late in the opening session that the home team got a breakthrough when Sai Kishore had Pandey (84) stumped, ending their 124-run stand.
Post lunch, Atit first reverse-swept and then cut Hemchudeshan to the fence to bring up his fourth First-Class century. At the other end, Akshay More supported his skipper and took on the spinners, lofting Hemchudeshan over midwicket for a maximum. The youngster, though, had the final say, first castling More and then trapping Atit in front to complete his five-wicket haul.
Published on Jan 30, 2026
