Ranji Trophy 2026/27, Round Four, Day One: Harsh Dubey's Nine-Wicket Haul, Salil Arora's Fourth Century

November 2, 2026. Bowlers dominated the opening day of the fourth round of the Ranji Trophy 2026/27, and the day's two biggest stories were written by a spinner and a batter. Vidarbha's Harsh Dubey took nine wickets for 53 runs against Madhya Pradesh — the best bowling performance of the round so far — while Punjab's Salil Arora struck an unbeaten century, his fourth in six innings this season.

A total of 38 teams are competing in this round. The 32 elite teams are divided into four groups — A, B, C and D — while six teams play in the Plate Group. Four matches are being played in each elite group and three in the Plate Group, meaning 19 matches in all were underway on day one. Defending champions Jammu & Kashmir are bidding to retain the title this season.

Group A: Vidarbha bowl Madhya Pradesh out for 209

The most talked-about figure of the day belonged to Vidarbha spinner Harsh Dubey. He took nine wickets for 53 runs to bowl Madhya Pradesh out for 209. What stands out in these numbers is that 156 of those 209 runs came with just one wicket falling — meaning the bowlers other than Dubey managed only a single breakthrough across the entire innings. Atharva Mahajan made 85 and played the biggest role in carrying Madhya Pradesh to a respectable total.

In reply, Vidarbha's top order wobbled and the side reached 56 for four at stumps. Vidarbha trail by 153 runs with six wickets in hand. The second day will hinge on how long Vidarbha's lower order can hold on.

Punjab's recovery: from 71/5 to 276/5

The day's biggest batting comeback came from Punjab. At 71 for five, Salil Arora and Sanvir Singh put together a partnership that rescued the innings. The pair added an unbroken 205 runs for the fifth wicket and took Punjab to 276 for five at stumps. Arora is unbeaten on 111, while Sanvir Singh completed his hundred.

For Arora, this is his fourth century in six innings this season — roughly one hundred every one-and-a-half innings. That conversion rate is rare in first-class cricket, which is why his name dominated the day's conversation. Punjab are still batting with both men at the crease and have laid the foundation for a substantial total.

Assam bowled out for 135, Karnataka lead by 45

Karnataka's bowlers bundled Assam out for 135 in their first innings. Bhatkal took five for 35, while Shetty took five for 53. Between them they claimed ten wickets, with only one more falling to the other bowlers across the remaining 88 runs.

In reply, Karnataka reached 180 for two at stumps and have already taken a lead of 45 runs. Their top order showed patience and closed out the day without further damage.

Bengal collapse for 143, Maharashtra lose two

Bengal's first innings folded for 143. In reply, Maharashtra reached 21 for two at stumps. Twelve wickets fell on the day — ten of Bengal's and two of Maharashtra's. The contest is firmly in the bowlers' favour, and the first session of day two could prove decisive.

Rajasthan bowled out for 78, Himachal Pradesh make 153

Rajasthan were dismissed for 78, the lowest total of the day. In reply, Himachal Pradesh made 153 to take a lead of 75 runs. Twenty wickets fell on the day — ten for Rajasthan and ten for Himachal Pradesh. Rajasthan trail by 75 and will need a major improvement in their second innings.

Services all out for 266, Rajat Paliwal carries his bat

Services were bowled out for 266, but a large share of that total came from one batter. Rajat Paliwal made an unbeaten 111 while wickets tumbled at the other end. A total of 266 suggests a grind rather than a collapse — Paliwal held the innings together and remained not out at the end.

Jharkhand bat slowly

Jharkhand reached 37 for three in 25 overs on the opening day, roughly one-and-a-half runs per over. That scoring rate indicates conditions were not easy for batting and the bowlers were getting assistance. Play was extremely slow and Jharkhand still have room to build a substantial innings.

Other performances of the day

The best bowling figures after Dubey belonged to Abhishek Kumar, who took five for 14. Ankush Bains made a useful 56, while Karan Sharma took three for 39 to help his side seize the initiative. Fast bowler Mohammed Shami was also part of the day's action.

Plate Group

All three Plate Group matches completed their opening day's play as well. The six-team group is moving through the early part of its season, and every innings carries added weight for sides hoping to progress.

The bigger picture

The opening day of round four made one thing clear: bowlers hold the upper hand in this Ranji Trophy. In four matches, teams were bowled out for fewer than 150 in their first innings, while bowlers like Dubey and Abhishek Kumar single-handedly dismantled line-ups. Day two will reveal whether batting improves or the bowlers' run continues.