Image Source: PTI
[Saba Sports News] The seventh round of the Ranji Trophy concluded on February 19, revealing the performances of potential Indian Test cricket team members in their latest matches. Here’s a summary of how they did:
· Shivam Dube: Dube showcased his skill by scoring an impressive unbeaten 121 against Assam, marking his second century of the season and fourth in first-class cricket. His innings, which lifted his team from a precarious 60-4, featured 11 fours and five sixes, contributing to a victory by an innings and 80 runs.
· Ajinkya Rahane: Rahane’s outing was notable for a rare dismissal for obstructing the field against Assam, a decision later retracted. However, he only managed to add four more runs to his total, ending with a disappointing season average of 16 from eight innings, including a single fifty.
· Ruturaj Gaikwad: Fresh off his selection for India’s Test squad against South Africa, Gaikwad returned from injury to score 96, narrowly missing a century. With a total of 100 runs in the match, his efforts helped Maharashtra secure a draw against Services.
· Abhimanyu Easwaran: The Bengal opener continued his excellent form, hitting a double century against Bihar and achieving over fifty runs in three consecutive innings, underscoring his potential for national selection.
· Shardul Thakur: Thakur demonstrated his value as an all-rounder by claiming ten wickets against Assam, including a career-best match figure of 10-52, showcasing why he’s a regular pick for India’s overseas tours.
· Cheteshwar Pujara: Pujara remained in exceptional form, scoring his second consecutive century of the season. With a total of 781 runs at an average of 78.10, he’s been a standout performer this Ranji Trophy season.
· Mukesh Kumar: The Bengal fast bowler, fresh from the India-England Test series, took a career-best ten-wicket haul against Bihar, proving his mettle with remarkable figures.
· Prithvi Shaw: Shaw continued his comeback from injury by scoring 30 off 26 balls against Assam, following up on his significant contributions in the previous match.
· Saurabh Kumar: Stepping in as a replacement in the Test squad, Kumar exhibited his all-round capabilities against Chhattisgarh by taking five wickets and scoring a vital half-century for Uttar Pradesh.
These performances provide a glimpse into the current form and potential of players considered for India’s Test cricket endeavors.