Ranji Trophy Round 5 Ends with Vidarbha's Group A Lead

Rinku Singh's career-best 176 propelled Uttar Pradesh to a first-innings lead and a draw against Tamil Nadu, while Vidarbha strengthened their Group A lead with a 144-run victory over Baroda in the fifth round of the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy, which concluded on November 21, 2025. The round, spanning November 16 to 21 across various venues in India, showcased dominant wins for teams like Andhra, Saurashtra, and Karnataka, alongside standout individual efforts that highlighted the depth of domestic talent.

In Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu posted 455 in their first innings, powered by centuries from Baba Indrajith and Andre Siddarth. Uttar Pradesh replied with 460 all out, securing three points from the draw. After a middle-order collapse left them at 191 for five, trailing by 264 runs, Singh anchored the innings with his 176 off 247 balls, including 17 fours and six sixes. He resumed on 98 overnight and forged key partnerships, adding 104 with Shivam Mavi (54) and smaller stands with others, before falling nine wickets down just five runs short of overtaking Tamil Nadu's total. Tamil Nadu managed only 103 for two in their second innings before the draw was agreed upon, earning one point....