Chandigarh Dominates with Innings Victory Over Kerala in Ranji Trophy 2025-26 Clash

Chandigarh entered the match with modest intentions but left the KCA Stadium in Kerala with a remarkable innings-and-92-run victory in the Ranji Trophy Elite Group B clash on Saturday.

Kerala’s batting performance was fraught with familiar issues, as poor shot selection led to their downfall on a manageable pitch. Chandigarh’s bowlers capitalized on their discipline and patience.

In Kerala’s second innings, they lasted only 48 overs. Chandigarh sealed the victory an hour after lunch when M.D. Nidheesh’s ill-judged shot off Vishu Kashyap was caught at point by Jagjit Singh. The trouble began when Sachin Baby was bowled for six by a straight delivery from Rohit Dhanda after misjudging his shot. Subsequently, B. Aparajith fell for 17, flicking Jagjit Singh directly to Nikhil Thakur at square-leg, reducing Kerala to 44 for four within the first hour.

Vishnu Vinod (56 off 43 balls, 12 fours) and Salman Nizar (53 off 84 balls, 4 fours, 4 sixes) offered some resistance with a 63-run partnership for the fifth wicket. However, both gave away their wickets after dominating the bowling attack, a mistake that highlighted Kerala’s flawed approach to batting.

Chandigarh’s bowlers maintained tight lines, forcing Vishnu to play cautiously after reaching 54 off 34 balls. Eventually, he lost patience and attempted to hit a short ball from Dhanda, only to top-edge it back to the bowler.

Vishnu’s dismissal triggered a collapse as Mohammed Azharuddeen (0) was caught at third man off Dhanda, and Ankit Sharma was trapped lbw first ball, leaving Kerala at 107 for seven.

Salman Nizar counter-attacked, adding 34 runs for the eighth wicket with Sreehari Nair (2), but Arjun Azad trapped Sreehari lbw just before lunch.

Eden Apple Tom, unbeaten on 14, supported Salman in reaching his half-century. However, Salman was bowled by Vishu while attempting a reverse sweep, and Nidheesh’s attempt for a big hit marked Chandigarh’s victory.

Scores

• Kerala 1st innings: 139
• Chandigarh 1st innings: 419

• Kerala 2nd innings:

  • Abhishek J. Nair c Arjit b Karthik 4
  • Rohan Kunnummal (Concussion Sub) lbw b Vishu 11
  • Sachin Baby b Dhanda 6
  • B. Aparajith c Nikhil b Jagjit 17
  • Vishnu Vinod c & b Dhanda 56
  • Salman Nizar b Vishu 53
  • Mohammed Azharuddeen c Birla b Dhanda 0
  • Ankit Sharma lbw b Dhanda 0
  • Sreehari S. Nair lbw b Arjun 2
  • Eden Apple Tom not out 14
  • M.D. Nidheesh c Jagjit b Vishu 12

  Extras (w-1, b-8, lb-1): 10

  Total (in 48 overs): 185

  Fall of wickets: 1-4, 2-21, 3-40, 4-44, 5-107, 6-106, 7-107, 8-141, 9-167

Chandigarh Bowling

• Karthik: 2-0-5-1
• Birla: 8-2-61-0
• Dhanda: 14-3-38-4
• Vishu: 12-2-41-3
• Jagjit: 9-2-25-1
• Taranpreet: 1-1-0-0
• Arjun: 2-0-8-1

Result: Chandigarh won by an innings and 92 runs.

Published on January 24, 2026.