Ranji Trophy 2025-26: Khajuria’s 190 powers J&K to 394, Chhattisgarh 75/1 at stumps on day 2

Srinagar, Nov 2: A marathon knock from Shubham Khajuria lit up the second day of Jammu & Kashmir’s Ranji Trophy Elite clash against Chhattisgarh at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium, Raipur, as the visitors posted a commanding 394 in their first innings before reducing the hosts to 75 for 1 at stumps on Sunday.

Continuing from his overnight score of 78, Khajuria was unshakeable throughout the morning and afternoon sessions, converting his fine start into a monumental innings of 190 runs off 344 balls, embellished with 30 fours and two sixes. The 28-year-old opener, who anchored J&K’s innings from the very first over, missed out on what would have been a richly deserved double hundred, falling to A A Sarvate late in the day.

Khajuria’s marathon innings spanned more than seven hours at the crease and was the backbone of J&K’s total. He was involved in key partnerships throughout the innings with PK Dogra, Kanhaiya Wadhawan and a crucial 72-run stand with Umar Nazir (40), which took J&K close to the 400-run mark.

While most of J&K’s top order failed to capitalise, with the top two wickets falling for no runs early on Day 1, the side’s middle and lower order provided valuable resistance. Dogra’s composed half-century and Nazir’s late counter-attack ensured J&K posted a formidable first-innings total on a surface offering slow turn and variable bounce.

For Chhattisgarh, Ravi Kiran continued his fine form, finishing with 7 for 82 in 27 overs, his best figures of the season so far. Sourabh Majumdar claimed one wicket, while Ajay Mandal and A A Sarvate also chipped in with one each.

In reply, Chhattisgarh’s openers started cautiously before Umar Nazir broke through, dismissing Ayush Pandey for 32. At stumps, Shashank Chandrakar (20)* and Ashutosh Singh (18)* were holding fort as the hosts reached 75 for 1 in 30 overs, still trailing by 319 runs.

J&K bowlers kept things tight in the final session, with Auqib Nabi and Sunil Kumar impressing in their opening spells, maintaining control and discipline.

The day once again highlighted J&K’s growing consistency and confidence in red-ball cricket. After thrashing Rajasthan by an innings and 41 runs in their previous game, the side has carried that form into Raipur, and Khajuria’s sublime 190 has put them in a strong position to dictate terms over the remaining days.

Day 2 Summary:

Jammu & Kashmir – 394 all out in 122.1 overs

Shubham Khajuria (190)

P K Dogra 59

Ravi Kiran 7/82

Chhattisgarh – 75/1 in 30 overs

Ayush Pandey 32

Umar Nazir 1/23

Chhattisgarh trail by 319 runs