Rahul and Himateja’s Stellar Partnership Anchors Hyderabad’s Dominance Over Pondicherry

Under cloudy skies and amidst a lively backdrop created by the Pondicherry fielders’ chatter, left-handers Rahul Singh and Kodimela Himateja shone brightly as Hyderabad amassed 255 for one on the first day of the Ranji Trophy Group-D match at the CAP Siechem Ground on Saturday.

Captain Rahul and Himateja showcased contrasting styles that complemented each other during their formidable 167-run stand for the second wicket. Unfortunately, proceedings were curtailed by bad light and heavy rain with 20 overs left in the day.

Rahul exhibited the classic flair and grace of a left-hander, reaching his century in 144 balls, punctuated by 11 fours and a six.

From the outset, Rahul made his intentions clear by starting his innings with a boundary. His stay could have been short-lived, though, when off-spinner Jayant Yadav had him caught at silly point on just four runs, only for a front-foot no-ball to give him a reprieve.

Following that early scare, Rahul rarely gave the fielding side any chances. He confidently stepped out to loft debutant off-spinner Karan Kannan over cover for four and, post-lunch, struck him for a six straight down the ground. When Kannan bowled shorter, Rahul capitalized by pulling to midwicket and cutting behind point for further boundaries.

Rahul was equally aggressive against seamer Puneet Datey, executing an on-the-rise drive and slicing through cover—his favored region. Adding to Sagar Udeshi’s woes, he reverse-swept the left-arm spinner to the fine-leg boundary. When Aman Khan attempted a barrage of short balls, Rahul nonchalantly pulled the medium-pacer to the square-leg boundary.

Himateja, initially cautious with 23 runs off 77 balls, soon took inspiration from his skipper. He struck Jayant for two sixes in a single over, eventually reaching a half-century in 105 balls.

Earlier in the day, Tanmay Agarwal was forced to retire hurt on 36 due to cramps, and Abhirath Reddy was bowled out by a delivery that kept low, paving the way for Rahul and Himateja’s dominance.

Published on October 25, 2025.