R Smaran targets 1000 runs in Ranji Trophy after 126 not out in Irani Cup
R Smaran scored 126 not out in the Irani Cup and set a 1000-run target for the Ranji Trophy season.
R Smaran struck an unbeaten 126 off 131 balls on day three of the Irani Cup against Jammu and Kashmir in Srinagar on Saturday. The 23-year-old left-hander also scored 68 in the first innings, giving Rest of India a lead of 265 runs with two wickets remaining at close.
Smaran missed 1000 runs in the 2025-26 Ranji season by 50 runs. He said he rates his seventh first-class century as his best because he batted with the tail and the situation demanded a specific style of play.
The Ranji Trophy starts on October 11. Smaran said his goal remains unchanged: to score 1000-plus runs and finish on top in back-to-back seasons.
CricHubb Take
Smaran has already shown he can bat long on slow pitches against spin. The question now is whether Karnataka's top order can give him the platform he needs when the Ranji Trophy starts.