Sarwate’s 95 helps Kerala deny Jharkhand an outright in Ranji Trophy at Jamshedpur

Aditya Sarwate scored 95 as Kerala held on to deny Jharkhand an outright win in a Ranji Trophy 2026-27 match at Jamshedpur on October 14, 2026. Kerala were dismissed for 395, leaving Jharkhand with a first-innings lead of 192.

The pitch offered little assistance to bowlers, turning the contest into a battle for the first-innings advantage, which Jharkhand had almost secured by the third day. Kerala’s middle order collapsed while adding 45 late on the third day, after which overnight batters Salman Nizar and Aditya Sarwate came together to try to stave off an outright defeat. The pair resumed at 269 for six and batted for more than 20 overs in an attempt to push the game into the balance.

Salman Nizar contributed 43 (135b, 3x4) in the seventh-wicket stand, which was worth 104. Salman fell to Manishi Singh, and Manishi then removed Edhen Apple Tom, who had been injured and was unable to bowl after the first day.

Sarwate’s innings ended when he was caught behind off Utkarsh Singh for 95 (135b, 14x4, 1x6). Kerala’s first innings closed at 395 in 127.5 overs, leaving Jharkhand a lead of 192.

Jharkhand’s spinners were the chief wicket-takers: Manishi Singh and Utkarsh Singh claimed four wickets each, while Kounain Qurashi took the other two. Manishi’s figures read 29.5-4-92-4 and Utkarsh’s 31-8-69-4.

Batting a second time, Kerala lost Rohan Kunnummal early and were two down for 62 in 19.3 overs, with Abhishek P. Nair (not out 23) and Sachin Baby (37) at the crease; play was concluded early when both teams accepted that a decisive result was unlikely. Jharkhand’s first innings total was 587.

Jharkhand coach Ratan Kumar said: "It is a good start to the season for us," and added, "Our spinners tried hard though there wasn’t much help from the wicket. And Kerala’s opener Abhishek batted really well in both innings." Kerala coach Swapnil Asnodkar said: "He is a huge positive for us," referring to Abhishek P. Nair.

With the match ending without an outright result, Jharkhand received three points for the first-innings lead and Kerala were awarded two points.