Pradosh Ranjan Paul’s Unbeaten 142 Puts Tamil Nadu in Control Against Chandigarh

Key points

1. Tamil Nadu reached 320 for four in 86 overs on Day 1 against Chandigarh in their Ranji Trophy Elite Group D match on November 2, 2026.
2. Pradosh Ranjan Paul remained unbeaten on 142 from 216 balls, hitting 13 fours.
3. Narayan Jagadeesan scored 48, while Baba Indrajith made 51 from 112 deliveries.
4. Guruswamy Ajitesh was unbeaten on 34 from 46 balls at stumps, adding late runs with Paul.
5. Chandigarh's Bhagmender Lather took two wickets for 47 runs; Nikhil Sharma and Nishunk Birla claimed one wicket each.
6. Tamil Nadu won the toss and elected to bat at Sector 16 Stadium in Chandigarh.

Pradosh Ranjan Paul produced a commanding unbeaten century to put Tamil Nadu in a strong position against Chandigarh on the opening day of their 2026-27 Ranji Trophy Elite Group D fixture at Sector 16 Stadium on Monday. Tamil Nadu, who won the toss and chose to bat, reached 320 for four in 86 overs on November 2, with Paul unbeaten on 142.

Paul anchors Tamil Nadu after early wickets

Tamil Nadu lost opener Vimal Khumar for 11 in the 13th over, with Nikhil Sharma taking the first wicket. Narayan Jagadeesan and Paul then helped stabilise the innings. Jagadeesan made 48 from 87 balls, striking seven fours, before Bhagmender Lather dismissed him with the score at 92 for two.

Paul continued to build his innings and found an able partner in Baba Indrajith. The pair negotiated the middle session and put together a substantial third-wicket partnership, taking Tamil Nadu past the 200-run mark and shifting the momentum towards the visitors.

Paul's innings was measured and productive. He reached stumps on 142 not out from 216 deliveries, with 13 fours. His ability to bat through the day ensured Tamil Nadu recovered from the loss of two wickets and kept scoring at a steady rate without taking undue risks.

Indrajith and Ajitesh provide valuable support

Indrajith contributed 51 from 112 balls, hitting three fours. His partnership with Paul was worth 139 runs for the third wicket before Nishunk Birla ended the stand by dismissing him at 231 for three.

Andre Siddarth made 13 before falling to Lather, leaving Tamil Nadu at 254 for four. The dismissal gave Chandigarh an opportunity to apply pressure late in the day, but Paul remained in control and was joined by Guruswamy Ajitesh.

Ajitesh made an unbeaten 34 from 46 deliveries, including six fours. The pair added an unbroken 66 runs for the fifth wicket, helping Tamil Nadu finish the day at 320 for four. Their late partnership ensured Chandigarh did not secure another breakthrough before stumps.

Lather leads Chandigarh's bowling effort

Bhagmender Lather was Chandigarh's leading wicket-taker, finishing with two for 47 from 16 overs. He removed Jagadeesan and Siddarth, providing important breakthroughs after Tamil Nadu had begun to settle.

Nikhil Sharma took one wicket, dismissing Vimal Khumar, while Nishunk Birla accounted for Indrajith. Chandigarh's other bowlers, including Jagjit Singh and Rohit Dhanda, delivered lengthy spells but could not separate Paul and Ajitesh before the close.

The bowling effort had moments of control, particularly during the opening session, but the 139-run stand between Paul and Indrajith and the unbeaten partnership late in the day allowed Tamil Nadu to build a substantial first-innings platform.

Tamil Nadu carry momentum into Day 2

At 320 for four, Tamil Nadu will look to extend their total when the match resumes. Paul has the opportunity to convert his century into a larger score, while Ajitesh is already set at the other end. The remaining batting group includes Sonu Yadav, captain Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore, S Ajith Ram, Gurjapneet Singh and P Saravana Kumar.

Chandigarh will need early wickets on the second morning to prevent Tamil Nadu from pushing towards a commanding first-innings total. Lather's two strikes have been the main return so far, and the home side will look for more support from its bowling attack.

The first day belonged to Paul, whose unbeaten 142 transformed a steady start into a strong position for Tamil Nadu. With six wickets still available and the innings continuing, the visitors have the opportunity to build further pressure in the four-day contest.