India hopefuls turned up the heat with solid outings in round 2 of the Ranji Trophy. Sarfaraz Khan hit a 154-run knock for Mumbai, while Sai Kishore took a 10-wicket match haul. These players showed great form, hoping to give the national selectors a happy headache with their consistent performances.
But while the unfamiliar faces impressed, a few India probables and discards enjoyed fun outings, strengthening their cases and hoping to give the selectors a happy headache. Spare a thought for those unfortunate to miss out because the competition is stiff. For those trying to break into the longer format because the T20I spots are already filled. For those who faded without being given a longer rope. And for those whose best wasn’t enough to dislodge the established names.
This list features some of Indian cricket’s brightest prospects, including fringe players who remain India probables.
Once again, back to the grind, Sarfaraz bounced back from a rare failure in the first round to return among the runs. A 154-run knock, studded with 19 fours, once again brought him into the limelight as his 18th First-Class century helped guide Mumbai to a win over Himachal Pradesh. Regardless of where he stands in the pecking order, Sarfaraz continues to add to his First-Class record, with his average reading an impressive 64.02.
Last year, Patidar smashed his maiden Ranji Trophy double-century. This year, he already has a hundred in his first hit of the season. Is there more to come?
He smashed 112 against Bihar in the first round and followed it up with an unbeaten 118 against Goa, even as Uttar Pradesh were bowled out for 202. In a low-scoring contest that produced just 730 runs across four innings, the weight of Rinku’s knock reads all the more significant.
Sai Kishore returned figures of 4/40 in the first innings and followed them up with 6/34 in the second. A 10-wicket match haul. If that doesn’t grab the selectors’ attention, what will?
The Indian Test setup is already crowded, with Sarfaraz, Sudharsan, Devdutt Padikkal and Dhruv Jurel ahead of him in the pecking order. Gaikwad may not be close to Test selection, but his century, followed by hopefully a few more strong performances, could open the door to greater opportunities in limited-overs cricket.