R. Smaran 126 not out in Irani Cup, eyes 1000-plus Ranji runs

R. Smaran struck an unbeaten 126 for Rest of India on day three of the Irani Cup match against Jammu & Kashmir in Srinagar on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026, having earlier top-scored with 68 in the first innings. He missed the landmark of 1000 runs in a Ranji Trophy season by just a half-century in the 2025-26 campaign.

The 23-year-old from Bengaluru produced the innings in the Irani Cup, which served as a curtain-raiser to the Ranji Trophy campaign beginning on October 11. Smaran's 126 not out was recorded during the match in Srinagar, where he had already led Rest of India's scoring in the first innings.

Smaran spent a large portion of his unbeaten knock batting with tailender Mukesh Choudhary and described the century as his best among seven First Class hundreds. “It’s right up there given the situation and because it’s an Irani Cup game. The situation also demanded a certain style of play,” he observed.

After the day's play Smaran set out his season target in clear terms, repeating his ambition for the Ranji Trophy. “It’s a very good start for me this season. Before heading into the Ranji Trophy, it always feels good to go in with some volume of runs. The goal doesn’t change. It is to score 1000-plus runs in the Ranji Trophy and be on top in back-to-back seasons,” Smaran said after the day’s play.

A photograph accompanying the report shows Rest of India batsman R. Smaran celebrating after scoring a century during the Irani Cup match against Jammu and Kashmir in Srinagar, Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026. | Photo Credit: IMRAN NISSAR

The Ranji Trophy campaign begins on October 11, with Smaran entering that competition having added runs in the Irani Cup fixture.