The 2025–26 Ranji Trophy season’s opening round saw challenging conditions for both Haryana and Punjab, with the two teams struggling to post competitive totals on Day 1. Haryana was bowled out for 171, while Punjab managed 232, highlighting early vulnerabilities and placing pressure on both sides as they begin their campaigns.
In Rohtak, Haryana faced Rajasthan and struggled against disciplined bowling. The pitch offered movement for seamers early in the innings, which Haryana’s top order found difficult to negotiate. Despite a solid effort from captain Deepak Hooda, who scored a resilient 54, the rest of the batting lineup failed to capitalize. Hooda’s innings displayed technique and patience, but support from the middle and lower order was limited. Partnerships were short-lived, and wickets fell at regular intervals, leaving Haryana all out for 171. Rajasthan’s bowlers, particularly Arjun Menon and Varun Choudhary, exploited the conditions effectively, maintaining tight lines and lengths to induce mistakes from the batters. Haryana now faces an uphill task on Day 2, needing substantial contributions from their middle and lower order if they are to remain competitive in the match.
Meanwhile, Punjab fared slightly better against Kerala in Chandigarh but still fell short of a commanding total. Punjab posted 232 for 9 by the close of play, with opener Shubham Arora top-scoring with 81. Arora’s innings combined patience with selective aggression, allowing him to anchor the innings. However, frequent wicket losses prevented Punjab from building substantial partnerships. Contributions from the lower order were limited, leaving the team short of a dominating position. Kerala’s bowlers, led by left-arm spinner Anil Kumar and pacer Vishal Nair, consistently challenged the batters with variations in pace and spin, ensuring Punjab could not fully capitalize on their start.
Both teams’ performances on Day 1 highlight the challenging nature of early-season conditions in the Ranji Trophy. Pitches with variable bounce, combined with disciplined bowling attacks, exposed technical weaknesses in Haryana and Punjab’s lineups. These early struggles serve as a reminder of the importance of solid starts in first-class cricket and the role of partnerships in building competitive totals.
Looking ahead, Haryana and Punjab must regroup and adjust their strategies for Day 2. Haryana will need its lower order to contribute significantly and for their top and middle order to bat with more patience. Punjab must aim to build partnerships and convert starts into bigger scores to gain the upper hand. The ability of both teams to adapt to pitch conditions and maintain composure under pressure will be crucial to their chances of success in the opening round.
In conclusion, Day 1 of the Ranji Trophy 2025–26 season proved testing for Haryana and Punjab, with totals of 171 and 232 reflecting early struggles against disciplined bowling attacks. Both teams face pressure as the matches progress, and their ability to recover will determine their standing in this crucial opening round. The season promises to be highly competitive, with resilience, strategy, and partnerships playing a decisive role in the outcomes of early matches.
12BET Shortlisted for Sportsbook Operator of the Year at SBC Awards 2025