Zafar Iqbal
The sixth round of the Ranji Trophy 2025 kicked off with a blend of dazzling performances and unexpected setbacks. While some cricketing stars struggled to make an impact, others etched their names into the history books with outstanding displays. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the action-packed day.
Rohit Sharma’s Unremarkable Return
Rohit Sharma’s much-anticipated return to the Ranji Trophy after nearly a decade didn’t unfold as expected. Representing Mumbai, Rohit managed just 3 runs off 19 balls before falling victim to Jammu & Kashmir’s Umar Nazir. Attempting a half-pull, half-nudge against a rising delivery, Rohit was caught off a leading edge—an all-too-familiar dismissal reminiscent of his outings against Pat Cummins and Matt Henry in recent Test matches.
Mumbai, despite opting to bat first, crumbled for just 120 in 33.2 overs, with captain Ajinkya Rahane and Shreyas Iyer also falling cheaply. However, the bowlers staged a spirited fightback, keeping Mumbai’s deficit within manageable limits.
Shubman Gill and Punjab Collapse
In Bengaluru, Shubman Gill’s outing was equally forgettable. Leading Punjab, Gill managed only 4 runs before nicking behind on a challenging, greenish pitch at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. Punjab’s batting lineup was decimated, bowled out for a paltry 55 as swing and seam dominated proceedings.
Gill’s struggles come on the heels of a difficult Test series in Australia, where he scored just 93 runs in five innings. His overseas performances have raised questions, with his average outside Asia dropping to 17.64 across 18 innings since the 2021 World Test Championship final. Punjab now faces an uphill battle to salvage even a single point from this game.
Ravindra Jadeja’s Five-Wicket Brilliance
In Rajkot, Ravindra Jadeja proved why he remains a force to be reckoned with in domestic cricket. On a spin-friendly track, Jadeja tore through Delhi’s batting order, claiming a five-wicket haul—his 35th in first-class cricket. Delhi was dismissed for 188, with Rishabh Pant contributing just 10 runs before falling to Dharmendrasinh Jadeja.
Saurashtra, however, faced their own struggles in reply, ending the day at 163 for 5. Jadeja top-scored with 38 before being dismissed. Meanwhile, Cheteshwar Pujara, still searching for consistency this season, managed only 6 runs.
Siddharth Desai: A Near-Perfect 10
Gujarat’s Siddharth Desai came agonizingly close to achieving a rare feat in first-class cricket. The left-arm spinner picked up nine wickets in the first session against Uttarakhand in Ahmedabad, finishing with remarkable figures of 9 for 36. However, his quest for a perfect ten ended when teammate Vishal Jayswal claimed the final wicket.
Desai’s performance set a new record for Gujarat, surpassing Jasu Patel’s 8 for 21 from the 1960-61 season. Having emerged as Gujarat’s frontline spinner since Piyush Chawla’s departure, Desai continues to solidify his reputation as a match-winner.
Khaleel Ahmed’s Maiden Five-Wicket Haul
Khaleel Ahmed, often on the fringes of India’s national team, achieved a significant milestone by claiming his maiden five-wicket haul in first-class cricket. Playing against Vidarbha, Khaleel’s 15-over spell yielded impressive figures of 5 for 37, including the crucial wicket of Karun Nair, who had been in prolific form during the Vijay Hazare Trophy.
As India searches for a left-arm seamer to fill the void left by Zaheer Khan, Khaleel’s consistent performances could make him a strong contender for national selection. This was only his 17th first-class match, but his recent form—including a strong showing in the Duleep Trophy—bodes well for his future.
The Bigger Picture: A Day of Contrasts
The opening day of this Ranji Trophy round offered contrasting narratives for India’s cricketing stars. While veterans like Rohit Sharma and Cheteshwar Pujara struggled to find their rhythm, others like Ravindra Jadeja and Siddharth Desai showcased their class.
The performances also highlighted the importance of domestic cricket as a platform for players to rediscover form or stake a claim for higher honors. With matches like these, the Ranji Trophy continues to serve as the backbone of Indian cricket, providing opportunities for established stars and emerging talents alike.
Specification Table: Day 1 Highlights
| Player | Performance | Team | Opponent | Venue |
| Rohit Sharma | 3 runs off 19 balls | Mumbai | Jammu & Kashmir | Sharad Pawar Academy |
| Shubman Gill | 4 runs | Punjab | Karnataka | Chinnaswamy Stadium |
| Ravindra Jadeja | 5 wickets for 32 runs | Saurashtra | Delhi | Rajkot |
| Siddharth Desai | 9 wickets for 36 runs | Gujarat | Uttarakhand | Ahmedabad |
| Khaleel Ahmed | 5 wickets for 37 runs | Rajasthan | Vidarbha | Jaipur |
Conclusion
The Ranji Trophy’s sixth round brought a mix of triumphs and tribulations, underscoring the unpredictable nature of cricket. As the tournament progresses, all eyes will remain on these players to see how they respond to the challenges ahead. Will the struggling stars redeem themselves? Or will new heroes emerge to steal the spotlight? Only time will tell.
