In a Group D match at the Niranjan Shah Stadium Ground C, Rajkot, star Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja made a spectacular comeback to the Ranji Trophy with a spectacular five-wicket haul that destroyed Delhi’s batting order. As Delhi was knocked out for 188 in 49.4 overs, the seasoned spinner, who was playing for Saurashtra, showed his class by taking 5/66, his 35th First-Class five-wicket haul.
Delhi’s top order, which included captain Ayush Badoni, Yash Dhull, and Sanat Sangwan, was completely destroyed by Jadeja. His last two wickets, of Harsh Tyagi and Navdeep Saini, came in quick succession.
Badoni contributed to Delhi’s innings by hitting a captain’s knock of 60 off 78 balls, which was laced with two sixes and five fours. Despite his 44-run contribution, Dhull was unable to turn his start into a significant score. Jadeja and fellow spinners Yuvrajsinh Dodiya (1/28) and Dharmendrasinh Jadeja (3/63) were difficult for the remainder of the batting order to handle.
With barely a run added, Rishabh Pant leaves.
Rishabh Pant, India’s standout batsman and wicketkeeper, made his long-awaited comeback to domestic cricket during the match. But Pant’s performance was forgettable; he only managed one run off ten deliveries before Prerak Mankad caught him off Dharmendrasinh Jadeja.
In 2023, Ravindra Jadeja played his final Ranji Trophy match against Tamil Nadu, finishing with 7/53.
To date, the veteran has amassed 7,466 runs at 43.66 and 13 hundreds while taking 542 first-class wickets at an average of 23.88.
Since only the top two teams advance to the quarterfinals, Saurashtra and Delhi, who are now ranked fourth and fifth in Group D, respectively, must win this match. Saurashtra’s roster for this match includes Cheteshwar Pujara, another legend of Indian cricket.