Ahmedabad: A maiden first-class century by Gourav Choudhary and his brilliant partnership with Sandeep Pattnaik powered Odisha to an impressive total of 272/3 on the opening day of their Ranji Trophy 2026-27 campaign against Gujarat on Sunday.
It was a monumental effort by opener Gourav, who batted through the day to be unbeaten on 121, having negotiated 263 deliveries, and hit 10 fours and 2 sixes.
Gourav lost his opening partner Swastik Samal in the second over after Odisha had opted for first strike on winning the toss. Thereafter, Gourav took charge, and stitched useful partnerships of 86 with Om T Munde (37) and 53 with Subhranshu (29).
But it was Gourav’s unbeaten collaboration with Sandeep (batting 69) that gave Odisha the upper hand on Day 1 at the Narendra Modi Stadium B ground.
Like Gourav, Sandeep showed good application and temperament to deny Gujarat bowlers much joy.
BRIEF SCORES
Odisha 1st innings: 272/3 in 90 overs (Gourav Choudhary 121*, Sandeep Pattnaik 69*, Om Munde 37).
Gujarat yet to bat.
