Jamshedpur, Nov 17: Jamshedur boy Sharandeep Singh Bhatia shone for Jharkhand with a brilliant century on the opening day of the Ranji Trophy Elite Group A match against Andhra Pradesh at the Keenan Stadium in Jamshedpur. Jharkhand skipper Virat Singh won the toss and elected to bat first, guiding his team to 259 for six at stumps on day 1.
Sharandeep displayed remarkable patience and skill, scoring 115 runs off 209 balls, including 16 boundaries. This knock marked his first century in first-class cricket, achieved in his tenth match. His innings provided a solid foundation for Jharkhand.
Captain Virat Singh contributed 41 runs, while Aditya Singh added 29. Robin Minj scored 19 and Kumar Kushagra chipped in with 17. At the close of play, Anukul Roy (5*) and Sahil (7*) remained unbeaten, aiming to push the total further on Day Two.
For Andhra Pradesh, Shashikant bowled impressively, claiming three wickets, while Saurabh picked up two scalps to keep their side in the contest.
Before the match began, Tata Steel VP (Corporate Services) DB Sundara Ramam introduced the teams. JSCA Secretary Saurabh Tiwary, former Secretary Rajesh Verma, former India bowler Shahbaz Nadeem and others were present to witness the action.
Jharkhand will look to build on this strong start as the match progresses.
