Gujarat is currently at 222 for 1, trailing Kerala’s first-innings score of 457 by 235 runs, thanks to Priyank Panchal’s 117* and Aarya Desai’s 73. At 34, Panchal has solidified his position, scoring his 29th first-class hundred after a lackluster Ranji season. Kerala struggled in the lower order, with Mohammed Azharuddeen’s 177 leading their total, as they added only 49 runs for the last three wickets. Gujarat’s strong batting, with a solid opening partnership, suggests they may force a decisive result, while Kerala’s strategy of converting the game into a one-innings affair appears risky.
Gujarat 222 for 1 (Panchal 117*, Desai 73) trail Kerala 457 (Azharuddeen 177*, Baby 69, Nizar 52, Nagwaswalla 3-81, Gaja 2-75) by 235 runs
By adopting a slow batting approach, Kerala effectively concentrated their efforts on trying to make it a one-innings match. Gujarat’s robust response has significantly diminished the likelihood of Kerala having adequate time to orchestrate a result should they offer a lead.
Though Desai exhibited more style, Panchal displayed a more aggressive mindset, deviating from his typical approach. The opening partnership contributed 131 runs before Desai was dismissed in the 37th over, attempting a risky drive that led to Nedumankuzhy Basil breaking through as he dragged the ball back onto the stumps.
This wicket did little to deter the remaining batters, as Panchal reached his century by stepping out to loft left-arm spinner Aditya Sarwate over the long-on boundary. Hingrajia, batting at the other end, largely played conservatively, which was a sensible approach given Panchal’s commanding performance after passing his half-century.
Panchal’s technique against spinners Sarwate and Jalaj Saxena was particularly noteworthy; he expertly used his footwork to counter the spin and drove confidently both with and against the turn. As the day wore on, some rough patches began to form outside off from one end, but they managed to largely neutralize any threat posed by them.