A Triumphant Return: Urvil Patel Leads Gujarat to Victory
In a thrilling quarter-final clash of the Ranji Trophy, Gujarat emerged victorious over Saurashtra by an innings and 98 runs, setting the stage for their next clash against the winner of the ongoing match between Kerala and Jammu & Kashmir. The hero of the day was Urvil Patel, who, building on his recent T20 century, delivered a commendable performance with a maiden first-class hundred. His 140 runs were pivotal in Gujarat’s first-innings total of 511, which provided them with a significant 295-run lead over Saurashtra.
A Strong Partnership Sets the Foundation
Gujarat’s massive total was not a one-man show. Urvil was well-supported by Jaymeet Patel (103) and Manan Hingrajia (83), who together batted for 159.1 overs, wearing down a competent Saurashtra attack. Despite being reduced to 78 for 3 early on the second day, the duo of Hingrajia and Jaymeet formed a crucial 144-run partnership, laying the foundation for what would become a mammoth score. This resilience and strategic batting allowed Gujarat to dominate the first innings and set a formidable target for Saurashtra.
Saurashtra’s Struggles in the First Innings
Saurashtra, sent in to bat, struggled to cope with the pressure and managed only 216 runs in their first innings. Despite a commendable effort from veteran Chirag Jani, who scored 69, the team failed to mount a significant challenge. The bowling trio of Ravi Bishnoi, Priyajitsing Jadeja, and Chinman Gaja took control, with Gaja picking up four wickets for 48 runs and Desai contributing two wickets for 35 runs. This collective effort from Gujarat’s bowlers effectively stifled Saurashtra’s momentum and set the stage for the second innings.
A Swift Second Innings
Saurashtra’s second innings was a brief affair, with the team being bowled out in under two sessions on the fourth day. Left-arm seamer Arzan Nagwaswalla was particularly effective, securing three wickets for Gujarat. Priyajitsing Jadeja continued his impressive form, taking four wickets, including the wicket of Cheteshwar Pujara. Ravi Bishnoi, who had recently returned from national duty, added two crucial wickets to the haul, further tightening the noose around Saurashtra’s batting lineup. Harvik Desai tried to put up a fight, scoring 54 runs, but it was not enough to rescue the team from a second innings collapse.
Cheteshwar Pujara’s Modest Season
For Saurashtra, the highlight of their innings was the performance of Harvik Desai, who top-scored with 54 runs. However, the season was a challenging one for the team’s star batter, Cheteshwar Pujara. Apart from a 234 against Chhattisgarh and a 99 against Assam, Pujara’s highest score in the eight other innings was a modest 26, which he made in the first innings against Gujarat. Pujara’s form in the second innings was particularly disappointing, as he managed to score only 2 runs. Despite these setbacks, Pujara’s experience and leadership will be crucial for Saurashtra in the coming season.
Sheldon Jackson’s Farewell
The loss marked the end of a storied career for Saurashtra’s stalwart, Sheldon Jackson. Jackson, one of the team’s most decorated batters, finished his first-class career with an impressive tally of 7283 runs in 174 innings, averaging 45.80. He left a lasting legacy with 21 centuries and 39 half-centuries, with the highlight being Saurashtra’s Ranji Trophy victory in 2019-20. Jackson’s contributions over the years have been invaluable, and his retirement will be a significant loss for the team. The cricket community will undoubtedly remember his dedication and skill on the field, and his legacy will inspire future generations of cricketers.
