A fan encouraged wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant as he made his way to the dugout at tea on the third day, urging him to simply survive the day. The Rest of India team had recently lost four wickets for a mere 55 runs, putting Jammu & Kashmir, who claimed their first Ranji Trophy victory in February, in a strong position to potentially secure a double title with the Irani Cup within their grasp.
Despite feeling unwell, Pant stepped onto the field amidst the turmoil of his team’s performance, acknowledging the fan with a slight nod, indicating his determination to do his best. However, his innings was short-lived; he was dismissed lbw after a reckless swing on just the second ball of the third session. Akash Deep followed him back to the pavilion shortly after, leading one fan to predict an imminent collapse, especially given that the two remaining batsmen, Mukesh Choudhary and Mukesh Kumar, had first-class averages of only 11 and 8.14, respectively.
However, the situation took a surprising turn two hours later as Ravichandran Smaran remained at the crease. His unbeaten 126 runs propelled the team from a precarious 197/8 to a more solid 306/8 by the end of the day’s play. Remarkably, he had also been instrumental in the first innings, scoring 68 runs when the Rest of India team was reeling at 155/7.
Smaran approached the game with a pragmatic mindset, reflecting on his extensive experience in challenging situations throughout his career. He noted his familiarity with batting alongside lower-order players, having faced similar circumstances while playing for Karnataka in various league matches. His impressive performance marked his seventh first-class century in just 19 matches, featuring five sixes and 15 fours.
He emphasized his intention to play aggressively, recognizing that batting in the fourth innings is inherently difficult for any team, regardless of pitch conditions. He mentioned that maintaining a positive approach was crucial, as scoring runs would force the opposing team to adjust their field placements and strategies.
On the other end, Mukesh Choudhary was holding his ground, having scored 9 runs off 47 deliveries. Together, they forged a partnership of 109 runs for the ninth wicket, setting a new record in the Irani Cup.
Smaran acknowledged Choudhary’s contribution and expressed regret over the loss of a few wickets in the middle stages. He reflected that had he had another capable batsman alongside him, the team might have been in a better position, possibly leading by over 300 runs.
Last season, Smaran topped the Ranji Trophy charts with 950 runs, yet he did not earn a spot in the India A squad for the upcoming unofficial Tests against Australia A. At 23 years old, he remains focused on his current performance rather than future call-ups.
“I’m not anticipating any India A call-ups. My primary aim is to score as many runs as possible, assist my team, and secure every available trophy. I cannot control what the future holds; my goal remains unchanged. In the Ranji Trophy, I aspire to reach 1,000 runs and remain among the top run-scorers,” he stated.
His ambitions extend beyond red-ball cricket; he played a pivotal role in securing Karnataka’s fifth Vijay Hazare Trophy title in 2025 and boasts an impressive T20 strike rate of 155.82.
“It’s a significant challenge for players aspiring to excel across all formats. T20 has evolved dramatically, with different demands; achieving a strike rate of over 200 is now essential. To compete in all formats, we must adapt and meet the game’s evolving requirements,” he remarked.
Although Smaran has yet to make a significant impact in the IPL, he sees a connection between his experiences with Sunrisers Hyderabad and his batting in red-ball formats. “Certainly, my IPL experience has enhanced my game. In red-ball cricket, there are moments when one must take risks against bowlers, just as I did today. My white-ball approach played a role in my innings while batting with the tail,” he explained.
He experienced a moment of fortune during his innings when he was nearly dismissed lbw on 104, only for the delivery to be ruled a no-ball. His father, Ravichandran S, and coach Syed Zabiullah were present in the stands, and he expressed gratitude for being able to score a century in their sight.
The Rest of India currently leads by 265 runs. The Ranji Trophy champions have claimed victory in the last two editions of the Irani Cup, and Smaran’s remarkable performance may have reshaped the narrative of the match.
Current scores: Rest of India 237 & 306/8 (Ravichandran Smaran 126 not out; Sahil Lotra 3/71) lead Jammu & Kashmir 278 by 265 runs.
Shuvaditya Bose serves as a Deputy Copy Editor at the sports desk of The Indian Express.
