Ranji Trophy Group A: Gambhir slams 41st first class hundred

India discard Gautam Gambhir led from front as Delhi began mammoth 650 runs chase against Karnataka in the Ranji Trophy match in Group A.

New Delhi: India discard Gautam Gambhir led from front as Delhi began mammoth 650 runs chase against Karnataka in the Ranji Trophy match in Group A.

The 36-year-old smashed his 41^st first class hundred, opening the innings with Unmukht chand. However, the Chand was dismissed on mere 16 runs by Karnataka all-rounder Stuart Binny. The World Cup winning Indian then stuck a formidable 110-run partnership with Druv Shorey for the second wicket.

Shorey was later dismissed by Mithun and Rishabh Pant joined Gambhir in the middle to take the Delhi Innings forward. Delhi are 234/3 while, Gambhir is unbeaten on 109 at tea on day 3.

This is second hundred of the season for the Delhi batsman, scoring 137 against Assam in October. He also played a beautiful 86-run knock against Uttar Pradesh in the previous encounter.

However, it is inappropriate to say Gambhir would make a national comeback as India already boasts a strong line-up with Shikhar Dhawan, KL Rahul and Murali Vijay fighting for the opening slot.

The left-hand batsman last featured for India during the first Test match between India and England at Rajkot on 9 November 2016.