After a slow start to their Ranji Trophy campaign, Tamil Nadu has emerged as a dominant force, securing their first knockout appearance since the 2016-17 season. Despite a rocky beginning with a loss to Gujarat and a weather-interrupted match against Tripura, Tamil Nadu bounced back with an impressive display, clinching four wins in their remaining five games to top Group B.
In their latest victory against Punjab, Tamil Nadu showcased their prowess, with B Indrajith and Vijay Shankar leading the charge with centuries in the first innings, setting a formidable total of 435. The left-arm spinning duo of S Ajith Ram and Sai Kishore then wreaked havoc, picking up a total of 15 wickets between them to dismantle Punjab’s batting lineup.
Despite a valiant effort from Nehal Wadhera, who scored a quickfire century in Punjab’s second innings, Tamil Nadu’s dominance remained unchallenged as they secured a nine-wicket win, chasing down a mere target of 71 runs in just seven overs.
For Punjab, a season that began with promise, highlighted by their triumph in the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20s, ended on a disappointing note, with just one win to their name, securing a sixth-place finish in the group.
Tamil Nadu’s impressive turnaround sets the stage for an exciting journey in the upcoming knockout stage of the Ranji Trophy, marking their return to the forefront of domestic cricket after six seasons.
