Shubham Pundir silences critics with masterful 165

Srinagar, Jan 30: Recalled to the playing XI, Shubham Singh Pundir delivered a knock of substance and character, scoring a superb 165 to power Jammu and Kashmir into a commanding position on Day 2 of their final Ranji Trophy Elite league match against Himachal Pradesh at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Cricket Stadium on Wednesday.

At stumps, J&K were 387 for 5 in 103 overs, holding a strong 219-run lead, with Kanhaiya Wadhawan and Sahil Lotra unbeaten at the crease.

Pundir, who was brought into the side in place of Dikshant Kundal, justified the team management’s faith with a marathon innings off 311 balls, striking 19 boundaries. He anchored the innings with authority before being dismissed for 165, laying the foundation for J&K’s dominance after Himachal were bowled out for 168 on Day 1.

Captain Paras Dogra showed welcome signs of a return to form, contributing a composed 52, while stitching a vital 110-run partnership with Pundir that broke the back of Himachal’s bowling attack.

Continuing his consistent run this season, Abdul Samad, J&K’s highest run-getter in the tournament, once again underlined his importance with a fluent 61, ensuring the momentum stayed firmly with the visitors.

Another major positive for J&K was the performance of wicketkeeper-batter Kanhaiya Wadhawan, making his comeback after an injury layoff. Wadhawan looked assured and confident, remaining unbeaten on 56 as J&K consolidated their advantage.

Earlier, Yawer Hassan (30) chipped in with a useful contribution at the top of the order.

Reacting to Pundir’s knock, Brig Anil Gupta, Member of the BCCI Sub-Committee and JKCA, lauded the batter’s effort, saying,

“Well played, Shubham Pundir, for a superb century. With this superlative knock you have silenced many self-styled critics and analysts, including a sham sports channel. Let your bat talk for you. Well done, keep it up. Tough opponents ahead as you march into the knockout stage.”

With a sizeable lead and wickets still in hand, Jammu and Kashmir are firmly placed to dictate terms going into Day 3 as they look to close their league campaign on a strong note.