Ranji stage set in Raipur as Chhattisgarh looks to stop Jammu & Kashmir’s momentum

Raipur: The Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Cricket Stadium in Nava Raipur is set to host an exciting Ranji Trophy Elite Group D clash between Chhattisgarh and Jammu & Kashmir from Nov 1 to 4. Both teams will be eager to secure an outright win after their previous multi-day encounters ended in hard-fought draws. While Jammu & Kashmir stunned Rajasthan in their second match, winning by an innings and 41 runs after losing their opener to Mumbai, Chhattisgarh suffered a defeat to Rajasthan in their first game before managing a draw against Mumbai. Chhattisgarh and Jammu & Kashmir have faced each other twice before in Ranji Trophy history, with both matches ending in draws — reflecting how evenly matched these sides have been. Their most recent meeting, in Jan 2020, ended without a result, while the 2016 encounter also saw both teams battle hard to avoid defeat.The hosts enter the contest with a balanced unit boasting both batting depth and bowling strength. Left-hand batter Aayush Pandey, a dependable top-order player, continues to impress with consistent performances. After scoring 744 runs in the 2024–25 season at an average close to 60 — including a double century — he already registered a century and a half-century this season against Mumbai. Middle-order batter Sanjeet Desai has also been in fine touch, having scored 693 runs last season with three centuries and three fifties. His ability to anchor the innings will be key to Chhattisgarh's success.On the bowling front, Ravi Kiran, the right-arm pacer, remains the team's spearhead with 27 wickets last season and seven already this year. His control and consistency make him a constant threat with the new ball. Aditya Sarvate, the left-arm spinner, provides crucial support, having taken six wickets so far this season while maintaining an economy rate below 3.5. On the other hand, Jammu & Kashmir come into the fixture with a blend of experience and young talent. Shubham Khajuria has been their most reliable performer, scoring 679 runs last season with one century and four half-centuries. Abdul Samad, known for his aggressive stroke play, adds firepower to the middle order, having scored two centuries in the 2024–25 season and maintaining good form this year.Among the bowlers, Auqib Nabi has been in sensational form, claiming 61 wickets in his last 10 matches, including multiple five-wicket hauls this season. He will be complemented by Yudhvir Singh, whose pace and aggression earned him 37 wickets in his previous nine games. With both teams boasting in-form batters and wicket-taking bowlers, the Raipur encounter promises to be a closely contested four-day battle. Chhattisgarh will look to capitalise on home advantage and build on their improving form, while Jammu & Kashmir will aim to extend their winning momentum and end their winless streak against the hosts.