Ranji Trophy 2025-26: Saransh-Arshad help Madhya Pradesh keep Kerala in check

Saransh Jain struck late on Day 1 to snuff a fightback by Kerala, cementing an early advantage for Madhya Pradesh in its Elite Group-B clash at the Holkar Stadium in Indore on Sunday. 

It seemed that spin would dominate early in the day, as MP threw the ball to Kumar Kartikeya Singh (one for 59) in the second over after opting to bowl first. The move paid immediate dividends, as he had Rohan Kunnummal (0) edging to slip. 

Kartikeya and Saransh (three for 38) then bowled in tandem to Abhishek J. Nair (47) and Ankit Sharma (20) – a surprise promotion to number three. The two battled hard to add 54 on a pitch that showed signs of turn and bounce, but Saransh eventually found the breakthrough, pinning Ankit in front with a ball that skidded on. Sachin Baby (0) came to the crease, but was back in the dugout eight balls later as his attempt to defend Saransh spun back onto his stumps. 

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Abhishek – on First-Class debut – batted well to survive 113 balls. He showed tidy technique, eschewing rash shots and punishing any errant deliveries in a composed showing. However, he eventually fell caught behind in Mohammad Arshad Khan’s first over.

Arshad (three for 45) utilised his left-arm angle well, going over the wicket to account for Abhishek before pushing one across Mohammed Azharuddeen (14) to remove him after lunch. Ahammed Imran (5) fell to a short delivery soon after to leave Kerala reeling at 105 for six. Arshad was ably supported by Aryan Pandey (none for 45), who was unfortunate not to pick up a wicket despite regularly beating batters.

Abhijith Praveen and Baba Aparajith late resistance helped Kerala peg back against Madhya Pradesh in Indore.
| Photo Credit:
Ragu R

Imran’s dismissal brought Abhijith Praveen. V(60) – also making his debut – to the crease to join the experienced Baba Aparajith (81 not out). The two faced some early communication issues that almost resulted in run-outs, but soon settled. Aided by a pitch that seemed to ease out as the day progressed, the pair staged a resistance.  

Aparajith was the quicker of the pair initially, playing well on both sides of the wicket and ensuring the scoreboard kept ticking with singles. He reached his fourth fifty of the season from 93 deliveries. 

Abhijith, meanwhile, started slowly but grew in confidence as the day went on, particularly after a hattrick of boundaries against Kuldeep Sen. He eventually raised his half-century to loud cheers from the Kerala camp from 121 deliveries with a glorious on-drive against Saransh.

MP rang in the changes as it looked for avenues to break the partnership, but as the day went on, Abhijith and Aparajith only seemed to grow more secure. However, Abhijith’s defensive shot against Saransh rolled back onto his stumps to end the partnership on 122, leaving Aparajith to survive till stumps. 

Published on Nov 16, 2025