After a thick blanket of smog shrouded the morning session, Haryana and Kerala engaged in a spirited day of cricket in a Ranji Trophy Elite Group C match at the Chaudhary Bansi Lal Cricket Stadium.
Haryana captain Ankit Kumar’s decision to bowl first proved fruitful as pacer Anshul Kamboj dismissed B. Aparajith in the opening over. Kamboj and new-ball partner Aman Kumar maintained a tight line and length, forcing Kerala openers Rohan Kunnummal and Akshay Chandran to prioritize survival.
The Kerala pair relied on sharp running between the wickets to counter the new-ball challenge, scoring only eight fours in their 91-run partnership. Kunnummal, the more assertive of the two, committed fully to the forward press, allowing him to drive when Haryana bowlers pitched it up. Chandran, on the other hand, stifled the opposition with assured defending.
As the sun pierced through the dissipating smog, Haryana’s desperation for a breakthrough grew. Jayant Yadav’s introduction midway through the second session disrupted Kerala’s rhythm. The off-spinner’s clever variations in pace and release angle nearly got the better of both batters.
However, Kunnummal and Chandran persisted with their methods, with the former reaching his fifty. Kunnummal’s dismissal soon after tea, caught by Ankit at second slip off Kamboj, provided Haryana with a much-needed breakthrough.
Kerala skipper Sachin Baby and Chandran saw off the rest of the day, with deteriorating light forcing an early stumps call. At the end of the opening day, Kerala had reached 138 for two, thanks to resolute fifties from Kunnummal and Chandran.
