Rajat Baghel's Stellar Debut Century Powers Rajasthan on Day 1
In a remarkable display of batting prowess, teenage opener Rajat Baghel announced his arrival on the first-class scene with a dream debut, smashing a brilliant 145 runs to provide Rajasthan with a formidable start against Assam. The opening day of the Col CK Nayudu Trophy U-23 Elite match unfolded at the KL Saini Stadium in Jaipur on Friday, setting the stage for an exciting contest.
Rajasthan's Strong Position After Rain-Affected Day
Rajasthan, opting to bat first after being asked to do so, managed to reach 212 for 3 in 56 overs on a day truncated by early morning rain. Despite losing two early wickets—opener Sumit Godara (11) and captain Rohan Rajbhar (1) cheaply—the hosts recovered impressively thanks to a dominant partnership.
Baghel and Sharma's Crucial Partnership
Rajat Baghel, showcasing his talent with a fluent innings of 145 off 184 balls, including 23 fours and 3 sixes, combined forces with Raj Sharma to steer the innings back on track. Their 180-run partnership for the third wicket was the cornerstone of Rajasthan's total, demonstrating resilience and skill under pressure.
When stumps were drawn on Day 1, Raj Sharma remained unbeaten on 52 runs from 99 balls, featuring 9 fours, with night-watchman Ganesh Suthar (0) keeping him company. This solid foundation puts Rajasthan in a commanding position as they look to build on their score in the coming days.
Past Performances and Brief Scores
Both Rajat Baghel and Raj Sharma have previously impressed in youth cricket, having performed well in the Cooch Behar U-19 Trophy, which highlights their potential and experience at the junior level. The brief scores from the match are as follows:
- Rajasthan: 212/3 in 56 overs (Rajat Baghel 145, Raj Sharma 52*, Sumit Godara 11)
- Assam Bowling: Harsh Kumar 2-58, Sumit Kashyap 1-15
This match marks a significant moment in Rajat Baghel's career, as his debut century not only boosts Rajasthan's chances but also signals the emergence of a promising young talent in Indian domestic cricket. Fans and selectors will be keenly watching his progress as the tournament unfolds.
