Bhubaneswar: Subhranshu Senapati soared to a new high as Odisha reached 493/8 on the second day of their Ranji Trophy Elite Group D clash against Madhya Pradesh in Indore on Saturday.
A former captain of the state Ranji team, Subhranshu smashed a career-best unbeaten 277 to post his maiden double century in first-class cricket. His previous best, among six hundreds, was 173.
The 27-year-old right-hander went into bat in the ninth over on Day 1 after Odisha had lost both openers with just 15 runs on the board. An hour later, Odisha had been reduced to a precarious 38/4.
Subhranshu then took up the responsibility of resurrecting the innings. With Rajesh Dhuper, Subhranshu added 118 for the fifth wicket to lead the rescue act.
On Saturday, Subhranshu found another competent partner in debutant Harshit Rathod.
Reduced to 259/8 after starting the day on 208/6, Subhranshu and Harshit stitched together a record unconquered partnership of 234 runs for the ninth wicket in 62 overs.
Subhranshu, who was unbeaten on 87 at stumps on Friday, has batted for almost two full days to be still at the crease on 277, which has come in 483 balls.
If he had to be watchful on Day 1 because of wickets falling around him, Subhranshu broke the shackles on Saturday and has clobbered 19 fours and 11 sixes so far.
Harshit batted with a perfect mix of caution and aggression, playing second fiddle to Subhranshu who toyed with the MP bowlers. Harshit’s unbeaten 60 has come in 160 deliveries, including 11 fours and a six.
Brief scores: Odisha 493/8 in 169 overs (Subhranshu Senapati 277 batting, Harshit Rathod 60 batting; Venkatesh Iyer 2/38, Aryan Pandey 2/89, Saransh Jain 2/90) vs Madhya Pradesh.
Match to continue on Day 3.
