Ranji Trophy: Jaymeet Patel's Determination Keeps Gujarat's Semifinal Aspirations Alive

Ahmedabad, Feb 20 (NationPress) In his inaugural First-Class season, Jaymeet Patel, a promising 22-year-old batsman from Gujarat, rose to the occasion amidst great pressure, steering his team closer to Kerala’s first-innings score during Day 4 of the Ranji Trophy semifinal at Narendra Modi Stadium.

With Gujarat trailing by 28 runs and only three wickets remaining, the contest remains delicately poised as it approaches the final day.

As Gujarat's top run-scorer this season, Jaymeet entered the fray with his team struggling due to a middle-order collapse caused by Kerala’s experienced off-spinner Jalaj Saxena. Rather than capitulating, he displayed resilience by forming critical partnerships with Vishal Jayswal and Siddharth Desai. His strategic play allowed Gujarat to steadily reduce the deficit, setting the stage for an exhilarating finale where each run becomes vital.

Earlier, Gujarat's aspirations for a first-innings lead faced a setback when Manan Hingrajia was dismissed due to a controversial third-umpire call just five overs into the morning session. Replays indicated the ball had hit his bat and pad nearly simultaneously, yet the review favored Kerala, sending Hingrajia back after scoring 33.

Despite this setback, overnight centurion Priyank Panchal and wicketkeeper-batter Urvil Patel countered the visiting bowlers with aggressive stroke play. Kerala’s decision to spread the field early allowed the duo to rotate the strike efficiently. However, the plan to open with a pacer alongside Saxena didn’t work, as M.D. Nidheesh struggled with his line and conceded runs.

Nevertheless, Saxena struck when he bowled a sharply turning delivery from the rough, uprooting Panchal’s stumps just two runs shy of a well-earned 150. The veteran spinner later deceived Urvil Patel four overs later, coaxing him down the pitch, leading to a sharp stumping by Mohammed Azharuddeen.

In a challenging situation for Gujarat, Hemang Patel, who stepped in as a concussion substitute for Ravi Bishnoi, was unexpectedly promoted to No. 5. While primarily a medium-pacer, Hemang took the fight to the spinners, scoring a quick-fire 27 and disrupting their rhythm.

However, the introduction of the mandatory new ball after 100 overs yielded results for Kerala, as Nidheesh dismissed Hemang with a stunning catch by substitute Shoun Roger at deep third man.

Saxena, who bowled an uninterrupted 27-over spell, then dismissed Gujarat captain Chintan Gaja in the first over after lunch, placing Kerala in a commanding position.

Just when it appeared Gujarat was on the verge of collapse, Jaymeet Patel exhibited extraordinary composure. He initially built a significant partnership with Vishal Jayswal before the latter fell while attempting a risky slog-sweep off Aditya Sarwate. Siddharth Desai then assumed the role of a defensive anchor, blocking deliveries while ensuring Jaymeet received the majority of the strike.

Kerala, sensing a chance, altered their tactics by allowing Jaymeet easy singles while concentrating on dismissing Siddharth. However, this strategy backfired, reducing the scoreboard pressure and allowing Gujarat to close the gap without taking unnecessary risks. Aside from Saxena, Kerala’s spinners struggled to make an impact on the slowing pitch.

As the match enters its crucial final day, Gujarat's aspirations hinge on Jaymeet's performance. They are just 28 runs away from obtaining a critical first-innings lead. On the flip side, Kerala will need early wickets to regain control and deny Gujarat a place in the Ranji Trophy final.

Brief scores: Kerala 457 all out lead Gujarat 429/7 in 154 overs (Priyank Panchal 117, Jaymeet Patel 74 not out) by 28 runs.