The race for the Ranji Trophy quarterfinals has reached a fever pitch as the latest round of India's premier domestic tournament delivered a day of high-octane cricket on January 30, 2026. While powerhouse teams like Mumbai and Bengal have already secured their knockout berths, the intensity on the field remains unmatched. From international stars finding their rhythm to domestic stalwarts rewriting record books, Day 2 provided a perfect snapshot of why the Ranji Trophy remains the backbone of Indian cricket.
KL Rahul Finds Rhythm; Shivam Mavi Tears Through Vidarbha
In a highly anticipated Group B encounter at Mohali, India international KL Rahul made a statement with a composed half-century. Opening for Karnataka against Punjab, Rahul looked in sublime touch, scoring 59 off 87 deliveries. His knock, decorated with nine boundaries, provided Karnataka with a solid platform in response to Punjab’s first-innings total of 309. Despite falling to a sharp delivery from Harpreet Brar, Rahul’s form is a massive boost for Karnataka as they look toward the knockout stages.
Meanwhile, in Nagpur, the spotlight shifted to the bowling crease where Shivam Mavi produced a career-best performance. Representing Uttar Pradesh, Mavi dismantled Vidarbha’s batting lineup with a fiery seven-wicket haul ($7/59$). His clinical spell ensured that both teams ended their first innings with identical scores of 237, setting the stage for a dramatic final two days.
Bengal and Mumbai Command Their Territory
Bengal's bowling duo of Akash Deep and Shahbaz Ahmed turned the match against Haryana into a one-sided affair in Rohtak. Both bowlers claimed five-wicket hauls, skittling Haryana for a meager 100 runs.
By the end of the day, Bengal’s lead swelled to a massive 248 runs, with captain Abhimanyu Easwaran holding firm on $61^$.
In Mumbai, captain Siddhesh Lad continued his dream run, equalling a historic feat held by legends Rusi Modi and Sachin Tendulkar. Lad struck an unbeaten 102 against Delhi, marking his fifth century of the season and his fourth in consecutive matches. His masterclass helped Mumbai secure a vital first-innings lead, further cementing their status as title favorites.
Key Performers Table: Ranji Trophy Round 7, Day 2
| Player | Team | Achievement | Opponent |
| Siddhesh Lad | Mumbai | 102 (Century) | Delhi |
| Shivam Mavi | Uttar Pradesh | 7/59 (7 Wickets) | Vidarbha |
| Akash Deep | Bengal | 5/40 (5 Wickets) | Haryana |
| KL Rahul | Karnataka | 59 (Fifty) | Punjab |
| Kumar Kartikeya | Madhya Pradesh | 6/Wicket Haul | Maharashtra |
Why This Round Matters
As the tournament moves toward the quarter-final phase starting February 6, these performances carry immense weight. For players like KL Rahul and Akash Deep, the Ranji Trophy serves as a vital platform to maintain match fitness and press for national selection. For teams like Karnataka and Haryana, every run and wicket determines their survival in the competition.
Actionable Takeaways for Fans:
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Watch the Standings: Keep an eye on Group C, where the race for the second spot behind Bengal is still wide open between Haryana and Uttarakhand.
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Player to Watch: Siddhesh Lad is on the verge of breaking the record for most centuries in a single Ranji season; his next innings could be historic.
