In a commanding display of cricketing prowess, Jharkhand crushed former champions Tamil Nadu by an innings and 114 runs on the final day of their Ranji Trophy Group A match in Coimbatore on October 18, 2025. The star of the show was 24-year-old off-spinner Rishav Raj, who, in his maiden first-class match, claimed an impressive 4/49, dismantling Tamil Nadu’s fragile batting line-up. Under the leadership of Ishan Kishan, who earned the ‘Player of the Match’ award for his stellar 173, Jharkhand secured a bonus point with this emphatic victory.
Jharkhand’s dominance was evident from the outset, posting a formidable 419 in their first innings. Tamil Nadu, in response, crumbled for a paltry 93, forcing them to follow-on. Despite a glimmer of resistance in their second innings, Tamil Nadu managed only 212 in 79 overs. Rishav, who sparked the collapse on day three by dismissing Tamil Nadu’s teenage opener, returned on the final day to remove key batter Baba Indrajith (22), caught by Shikhar Mohan. Pacer Sahil Raj (2/28) also played a pivotal role, finishing with a six-wicket haul, including the early dismissal of debutant Jeganathan Hemchudeshan (17) on day four.
A notable fightback came from 19-year-old C Andre Siddarth, who anchored Tamil Nadu’s second innings with a gritty 80 off 180 balls, including 12 fours. His 100-run partnership with M Shahrukh Khan (37) offered temporary respite, lifting Tamil Nadu from 93/5 to 193. However, left-arm spinner Anukul Roy (3/42) broke the stand, triggering a collapse as the last three wickets fell for just 14 runs, with injured tail-ender Balasubramaniam Sachin unable to bat.
Also Read: Suryakumar Yadav Opens Up on Fear of Losing Captaincy to Shubman Gill
The slow bowlers’ dominance and Jharkhand’s relentless pressure underscored their superiority, leaving Tamil Nadu reeling. This victory not only bolsters Jharkhand’s position in Group A but also signals the arrival of Rishav Raj as a promising talent in Indian domestic cricket.
Also Read: Can India’s Sixth Bowler Change Their World Cup Fate Against England?