Jharkhand beat Tamil Nadu by innings in Ranji opener

Jharkhand completed a comprehensive victory over former champions Tamil Nadu, winning by an innings and 114 runs at the Sri Ramakrishna College of Arts and Science ground in Coimbatore on Saturday. The result, in the opening round of the Ranji Trophy Elite Group A, followed a dominant 419 by Jharkhand, a dismal 93 by Tamil Nadu in the first innings and a second-innings 212 after the follow-on was enforced.

Ishan Kishan anchored Jharkhand’s commanding position with a big century, finishing with 173 and earning Player of the Match honours. His innings, built after early wickets, formed the backbone of Jharkhand’s recovery and momentum. Kishan and Sahil Raj put on an extended partnership for the seventh wicket that shifted the match firmly in the visitors’ favour. Jharkhand’s total included contributions from the lower order that rescued the side from an earlier fragile position.

The spin attack produced notable returns for Jharkhand. Offspinner Rishav Raj, playing his maiden first-class match, claimed four wickets on debut. Pace bowler Jatin Pandey, also making his first-class debut, produced a match-defining performance with a five-wicket haul that helped bowl Tamil Nadu out for...