Ranji Trophy 2017-18: Gautam Gambhir’s 136* and Prashant Chopra’s 338 light up Day 2, while Suresh Raina, Sanju Samson stutter

Unlike the opening day of Ranji Trophy 2017-18, second day was more batsmen friendly. Players not only scored daddy hundred’s but a few even secured granddaddy hundreds. Hidden in between the entire massacre, there were some gems hidden from the bowlers as well that kept balance between bat and ball. Let us have look into how India’s star players fared on day two of competition.

Gautam Gambhir has season-after-season continued to guard Delhi’s batting. Stepping down from captaincy, Gambhir shined with the bat to stonewalled one end as persistent wickets fell. His fifty came in 65 balls. He went on to further score his 40th First-Class hundred. He remained unbeaten on 136*.

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Prashant Chopra turned on the heat against Punjab’s bowler in the second day of the competition. He lambasted himself his first triple ton in FC cricket in merely 318 balls. His missed Sunil Gavakar’s top Ranji Trophy score record by a whisker, getting out on 338. It was unknown to many also his 25th birthday.

Nitish Rana, who made a name for himself in Indian Premier League (2017) playing for Mumbai Indians shone for Delhi. He along with Gambhir resurrected his side against Assam. Rana scored fifty in 71 balls. Rana along with Gambhir added 207 runs for the third wicket before falling for 110.

Wriddhiman Saha continued make good use of his tough time on Day 1. Despite wickets falling from one end, Saha ensured Bengal did not fall short of runs. The Test specialist reached his fifty in 73- balls. He fell for 55.

Ishant Sharma ever since being announced as Delhi’s Ranji captain has been a changed bowler. In the opening match itself, Ishant secured a five-wicket haul that rattled Assam’s batting unit. This show he will go a long way in ensuring his Indian team comeback.

Ravichandran Ashwin outing on day two was much decent than day one. He scalped a couple of Assam’s wickets to end day with figures of 45 for 2. One would have expected more from him in the 45 overs he bowled.

Sanju Samson known for his exploits for India A and Delhi Daredevils, is yet to make an impact in domestic cricket. And yet again he failed to provide Kerala the impetus. His innings of 11 lasted just 32 balls.

Ashish Hooda was the star player for Haryana on day 2. He capped of a memorable outing picking 6 wickets that helped his side restrict Saurashtra for 278. His wickets included Cheteshwar Pujara, Sheldon Jackson and Robin Uthappa.

Jaydev Unadkat, star of Rising Pune Supergiant’s campaign in Indian Premier League (IPL) 2017 looked in top-form for Saurashtra. His 3-for demolished Haryana’s top order on a lively Lahli track. Even in the second innings, he dashed Haryana’s hope, scalping an early wicket.

Suresh Raina had a poor outing for Uttar Pradesh. He fell for 4. His captaincy on the other hand was commendable.