Rishabh Pant praises Smaran after Rest of India win Irani Cup

Rest of India captain Rishabh Pant said young batter Ravichandran Smaran played outstanding knocks in both innings during the Irani Cup victory over Jammu and Kashmir. Smaran scored 68 in the first innings and 135 in the second as Rest of India won by 167 runs in Srinagar on Sunday.

Pant revealed that Rest of India adjusted their bowling lengths after conceding a 41-run first-innings lead. The bowlers were told to pitch fuller in the second innings, a plan that helped bundle J and K out for 111 while chasing 279. Mukesh Kumar took six for 33 and Akash Deep claimed three wickets.

Pant turned 29 on the final day of the match. He missed the fourth innings due to fever, with Aryan Juyal keeping wickets in his place. Pant said executing plans after an early setback brought satisfaction despite the initial frustration of falling behind.