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The Ranji Trophy 2025–26 continued to deliver thrilling cricketing moments on Day 2, featuring some stellar individual performances across the country. While Karun Nair made a strong statement with a commanding hundred, Ishan Kishan narrowly missed a fifty. Meanwhile, Shahbaz Ahmed turned the game around for Bengal, overshadowing pace stars Mohammed Shami and Akash Deep.
The day began with Ajinkya Rahane completing his majestic 159 for Mumbai before rain halted further progress against Chhattisgarh. But it was the battles in other venues that stole the limelight.
Karun Nair’s lone-warrior masterpiece for Karnataka
Karun Nair played an exceptional innings for Karnataka, turning an overnight 86* into a gritty 174 not out. His side eventually folded for 371, but Nair’s knock stood out for its composure and technical class.
Having fallen out of the Indian Test radar for years, Nair’s knock arrives at the perfect time. With the India vs South Africa Test series approaching and the No. 3 spot still unsettled, this innings could reignite his national ambitions.
Selectors will take note — a determined, patient Karun Nair is exactly the kind of middle-order option India needs in red-ball cricket.
Shahbaz Ahmed steals the show from Shami
Bengal staged a remarkable comeback against Gujarat. After being bowled out for 279, Bengal’s bowling unit — led by Shahbaz Ahmed — ripped through Gujarat’s top order, reducing them to 107/7.
While veterans Mohammed Shami and Akash Deep delivered sharp early spells, it was Shahbaz who spun the match Bengal’s way. His 4-wicket haul on a deteriorating surface dismantled Gujarat’s resistance.
Shahbaz’s ability to adapt to conditions and build pressure showed why he’s one of India’s most underrated red-ball spinners.
Assam create Ranji history in shortest match ever
In one of the most dramatic games of the season, Assam, led by Riyan Parag, registered the shortest-ever Ranji Trophy match in history.
The encounter against Services lasted just 540 balls (90 overs) — a rare occurrence in first-class cricket. The total of 359 runs across both innings was highlighted by two hat-tricks, one each from Arjun Sharma and Mohit Jangra — only the third time ever in first-class history that two hat-tricks were recorded in the same match.
The win not only boosts Assam’s campaign but also cements their place in Ranji folklore.
Ishan Kishan’s miss and Auqib Nabi’s brilliance
It was a mixed day for Ishan Kishan, who fell short of a fifty as Jharkhand were dismissed for 332 against Vidarbha. Kishan, who had looked fluent early on, fell while trying to accelerate. Despite the missed milestone, his attacking intent kept Jharkhand in the game.
Meanwhile, Auqib Nabi stole the spotlight for Jammu & Kashmir. After scoring a half-century alongside Abdul Samad and Yudhvir Singh, Nabi returned with the ball to destroy Rajasthan’s batting lineup. His 5-wicket burst left Rajasthan reeling at 41/5, handing Kashmir a dominant 130-run first-innings lead.
Pradosh Ranjan Paul’s double hundred and Harnoor Singh’s dominance
Tamil Nadu’s Pradosh Ranjan Paul smashed an unbeaten double hundred against Nagaland, displaying immense control and maturity. His innings anchored Tamil Nadu’s dominance as wickets kept tumbling at the other end.
Over in Punjab, Harnoor Singh produced a spectacular 170 against Kerala. What made it even more special was the lack of support — the next highest score was only 41. His knock single-handedly propelled Punjab to a strong position.
Low-scoring thrillers and crucial wins
Elsewhere, Haryana wrapped up a hard-fought win against Tripura in a low-scoring match where just 349 runs were scored in total. The contest highlighted how early-season wickets are testing batters across the country.
As the Ranji Trophy season continues, new heroes are emerging every day — from consistent veterans like Karun Nair to rising stars like Auqib Nabi. The blend of experience and youthful energy is keeping domestic cricket alive and fiercely competitive.
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