Ranji Trophy 2025-26: Imliwati gets the accolades, Tamil Nadu bags three crucial points
It is not without reason that cricket is called the ‘Gentleman’s Game’. When Imliwati Lemtur, running out of partners and closing in on yet another milestone, was trapped in front by Sai Kishore for a magnificent (146, 287b, 20×4, 3×6), the entire Tamil Nadu team ran up to congratulate him — a heart-warming gesture that summed up the spirit of the contest.
With that wicket, Nagaland was bowled out for 446 in 157.4 overs in its first innings, handing TN a valuable 66-run first-innings lead and three crucial points on the final day of the Group A Ranji Trophy fixture at the BCCI Centre of Excellence Grounds in Bengaluru on Tuesday.
Play on the final morning began an hour and 49 minutes late due to bad weather, with overnight centurions D. Nischal (175, 376b, 25×4) and Lemtur resuming their vigil. But what followed was a complete shift in tempo — the pacers looked far more energetic, fiery, and purposeful than in the previous days.
18-year-old R.S. Ambrish led the way, steaming in with intent and unsettling both batters with a barrage of short balls. He was well supported by the experienced Sandeep Warrier and left-armer Gurjapneet Singh, as the trio relentlessly peppered the batters with sharp, rising deliveries.
The ploy worked to perfection. Ambrish, after pushing Nischal onto the back foot, finally drew him into a drive outside off to end a marathon 225-run sixth-wicket stand. Once that breakthrough arrived, the southern side tightened its grip. Warrier castled Tahmeed Rahman, while left-arm spinner D.T. Chandrasekar accounted for Ronit More and Saurav Kumar.
Lemtur’s effort ended soon after lunch, leaving Nagaland short of TN’s total. But the moment that defined the day came later, when double centurion Pradosh Ranjan Paul, named Player of the Match, graciously handed over his award and prize money to Lemtur — a gesture that spoke volumes about the respect that defines the true spirit of the sport.
Published on Oct 28, 2025
