Defending champions Jammu and Kashmir began their Ranji Trophy 2026-27 campaign with a strong bowling performance, dismissing Madhya Pradesh for 196 on Day 1 of their season opener at the Sher-i-Kashmir Stadium in Srinagar on Sunday. J&K had made history earlier this year by winning their maiden Ranji Trophy title.The standout performer was fast bowler Rohit Sharma, who marked his return to the Ranji Trophy side after nearly two years with a 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.Left-arm pacer Sunil Kumar also made an impact with four wickets, while Auqib Nabi picked up one for 42. 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.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.
