Tamil Nadu’s N. Jagadeesan continued his impressive form in the Ranji Trophy Elite Group-D match against Assam, notching up his second century of the season. The Tamil Nadu vice-captain remained unbeaten on 118 (188b, 9×4, 1×6) as he and Pradosh Ranjan Paul (68 not out, 112b, 5×4) guided the team to a draw.
Assam had piled up 445 in reply to Tamil Nadu’s first-innings total of 338. The visiting team began the final day 99 runs in arrears and saw Jagadeesan’s opening partner, S. Lokeshwar, fall to pacer Mukhtar Hussain for three.
Experienced all-rounder Vijay Shankar joined Jagadeesan at the crease, and the duo set about reducing the deficit. They adopted a cautious approach, playing shots only when the bowlers erred in line and length.
Jagadeesan, though initially uncomfortable against left-arm pacer Mrinmoy Dutta, showed patience and determination. He added 54 runs for the second wicket with Shankar (23) before Swarupam Purkayastha dismissed the latter.
Pradosh, who joined Jagadeesan, proved an ideal partner. They blunted the Assam bowlers, occasionally being beaten by good deliveries but persevering for an unbroken 144-run third-wicket partnership.
Jagadeesan showcased his class with some impressive shots, including a towering six off off-spinner Purkayastha. Pradosh also contributed with several boundaries, helping Tamil Nadu erase the deficit and secure a draw.
Jagadeesan’s century was his 10th in First-Class cricket, and he also surpassed the 3,000-run mark in the Ranji Trophy during the innings.
