J&K's Rohit Sharma bags five-for on Ranji Trophy return as Madhya Pradesh fold for 196

Defending champions Jammu and Kashmir began their Ranji Trophy 2026-27 campaign with a commanding bowling display, dismissing Madhya Pradesh for 196 on Day 1 of their season opener at the Sher-i-Kashmir Stadium in Srinagar on Sunday.

The standout performer was fast bowler Rohit Sharma, who marked his return to the Ranji Trophy side after nearly two years with a sensational five-wicket haul. The 32-year-old finished with figures of 5/36 in 21.2 overs, having last played in the competition in October 2024, when he went wicketless against Services.

"The 32-year-old finished with figures of 5/36 in 21.2 overs, having last played in the competition in October 2024, when he went wicketless against Services," the match report noted, underscoring the sharp turnaround for the seamer.

Left-arm pacer Sunil Kumar also made an impact with four wickets, while Auqib Nabi picked up one for 42 to round off the Madhya Pradesh innings. Madhya Pradesh were bowled out for 196, with captain Shubham Sharma top-scoring with 79.

J&K lost one wicket and reached 3/1 by stumps on the opening day, giving the defending champions a firm foothold in the contest.

A triumphant return for the champions

J&K had made history earlier this year by winning their maiden Ranji Trophy title, and the early signs from their opener suggest they intend to defend it with intent. Before the match against Madhya Pradesh, Rohit had played 22 first-class matches and taken 39 wickets at an average of 34.66. This was his second five-wicket haul in first-class cricket.

He has also featured in eight List A matches and five T20 games, taking a combined eight wickets across the two formats. He is yet to take a wicket in T20 cricket.

Rohit was also named in Jammu and Kashmir's squad for the Irani Cup earlier this month but did not feature in the playing XI, as Rest of India secured a 167-run victory in Srinagar.