R Smaran targets 1000 runs in Ranji Trophy after 126 not out in Irani Cup

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.