Paras Dogra’s Century Puts Jammu Kashmir in Command Against Delhi

SRINAGAR: Jammu Kashmir skipper Paras Dogra struck a classy century to steer his team into a commanding position on the second day of their Ranji Trophy Elite Group-D clash against Delhi at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Sunday.

The 40-year-old veteran’s composed 106 off 183 balls — his 33rd Ranji Trophy century — helped Jammu and Kashmir post 310 in reply to Delhi’s 211, securing a valuable 99-run first-innings lead. At stumps, Delhi was seven without loss in its second innings.

Dogra’s innings, marked by patience and precision, came at a time when his team was struggling at 31 for three. Partnering with the aggressive Abdul Samad, who smashed 85, Dogra built a match-defining 141-run fifth-wicket stand that lifted Jammu and Kashmir from early trouble to a position of strength.

Delhi’s fielding lapses proved costly as Dogra was dropped twice — first on 8 and then on 68. The hosts’ bowling lacked bite, with pacer Simarjeet Singh’s six-wicket haul coming too late to alter the momentum. Stiffness in his back limited his effectiveness through much of the day, allowing Dogra and Samad to seize control during the crucial morning and afternoon sessions.

Dogra’s century not only steadied Jammu and Kashmir’s innings but also brought him within touching distance of 10,000 First-Class runs, a milestone achieved by only a few in Indian domestic cricket.

For the seasoned batter, who will turn 41 later this month, the knock was another testament to his longevity and consistency in a career spanning over two decades.