Ravichandran Smaran hits unbeaten 126 as Rest of India reach 306 for 8

Ravichandran Smaran hit an unbeaten 126 off 131 balls on day three, carrying Rest of India to a 265-run lead with two wickets still standing. The 23-year-old anchored the second innings while the rest of the order crumbled around him — a reminder that good batting often looks lonely when form deserts teammates.

The Irani Cup serves as the warm-up to the Ranji Trophy season beginning October 11, and Smaran's red-ball work here matters. Rest of India now hold the match in their hands heading into day four.

Jammu and Kashmir need early breakthroughs on day four to stay alive. Otherwise, they're staring at defeat in this three-day contest.