Ravichandran Smaran Hits 126, Rescue Partnership Takes RoI to 306/8 Against J&K*
Srinagar October 03, 2026: Ravichandran Smaran’s unbeaten 126 powered the Rest of India to a strong position against Jammu & Kashmir on Day 3 of the Irani Cup at the Sher-i-Kashmir Stadium in Srinagar. Rest of India reached 306 for 8 at stumps, establishing a 265-run lead after J&K were bowled out for 278 in their first innings.
Smaran produced a remarkable counter-attacking innings, reaching his century from 131 balls and finishing the day with 15 fours and five sixes. His knock became particularly important after J&K reduced Rest of India to 197/8, leaving the visitors with only a 156-run advantage at that stage.
The Karnataka batter then combined with Mukesh Choudhary for an unbeaten 109-run ninth-wicket partnership, taking Rest of India from 197/8 to 306/8 by the close of play. Choudhary remained unbeaten on 9 from 47 balls.
Earlier, Sanat Sangwan scored a patient 55 off 160 balls, while Saransh Jain contributed 25. Sangwan and Jain added 70 runs for the third wicket before J&K struck back.
For Jammu & Kashmir, Sahil Lotra and Umar Nazir Mir claimed three wickets each. Nazir dismissed Sangwan, Saransh Jain and Sarfaraz Khan, while Lotra accounted for Rishabh Pant, who made 8. Sarfaraz Khan was dismissed for a duck.
J&K had earlier secured a 41-run first-innings lead after scoring 278 in response to Rest of India’s 237. At the end of Day 2, RoI were 24/1, trailing by 17 runs.
With Smaran still unbeaten and Rest of India leading by 265 runs, Day 4 will see J&K looking to finish the remaining two wickets quickly and then face a substantial target in their second innings.
Brief Scores
Rest of India: 237 & 306/8 (94 overs)
Jammu & Kashmir: 278
Rest of India lead: 265 runs
Top scorer: Ravichandran Smaran 126*
J&K bowling: Sahil Lotra 3/71, Umar Nazir Mir 3/87.
