Madhya Pradesh's Ranji Trophy-winning coach Chandrakant Pandit has revealed that he had to use harsh words to bring the best of Kumar Kartikeya in the recent edition of the tournament. With 32 wickets in 11 innings, Kartikeya had played a pivotal role in Madhya Pradesh's maiden Ranji-winning season.

Sarfaraz Khan, one of the many promising Indian youngsters around, has stepped up for Mumbai, scoring 134 runs off 243 balls, in the ongoing Ranji Trophy final against Madhya Pradesh. After reaching his hundred, he brought out the signature step of Sidhu Moose Wala, who was shot dead on May 29.

India Under 19 captain Yash Dhull made a impressive debut in the Ranji Trophy for Delhi against Tamil Nadu scoring his first hundred in the tournament. Delhi lost their three wickets for 67 runs batting first but Dhull and Jonty Sidhu stitched a crucial partnership to take team in a good position.

In a recent development, Indian pacer Ishant Sharma who had made himself unavailable for the Ranji Trophy league stage is set to join Delhi squad. Delhi will play their opening fixture against Tamil Nadu on Thursday but Ishant is likely to miss the game due to five-day mandatory quarantine.