Indore: Rajat Patidar once again displayed his skill in red-ball cricket by scoring a crucial unbeaten century on Day 2 of Madhya Pradesh’s Ranji Trophy opener against Punjab in Indore. His composed innings of 107* off 185 balls led Madhya Pradesh to a total of 305 for 6 at stumps, establishing a 73-run advantage over Punjab’s first-innings score of 232.
Facing a challenging pitch that provided movement and bounce, Patidar remained steadfast even as the top order faltered. He entered the fray at a precarious moment, with Madhya Pradesh in trouble at 155 for 4, and anchored the innings with composure.
A significant partnership of 147 runs with Venkatesh Iyer proved pivotal for Madhya Pradesh. Iyer contributed a brisk 73 off 114 deliveries, hitting seven boundaries and a six. His aggressive style complemented Patidar’s steady approach, facilitating a recovery and a growing lead for the hosts.
Earlier in the session, Punjab’s bowlers made early breakthroughs, igniting brief hopes of maintaining control over the match. However, their failure to dismantle the Patidar-Iyer partnership for a considerable time led to a shift in momentum. Despite a late effort that brought about a couple of wickets, Punjab ended the day under pressure, trailing by 73 runs with four wickets in hand for Madhya Pradesh.
At the close of play, Patidar remained unbeaten alongside Saransh Jain, well-positioned to extend Madhya Pradesh’s lead on Day 3.
Patidar Aiming for Test Selection
Patidar’s consistent form has emerged as a highlight of the domestic season. Following impactful performances in the Irani Cup, Duleep Trophy, and a successful IPL campaign with Royal Challengers Bangalore, he is making a compelling case for potential inclusion in the Test squad. With over 5,000 runs in first-class cricket at an average of 44.30, a strong showing in this Ranji Trophy season, particularly in the critical No. 5 position, could catch the selectors’ attention.
