Siddesh veer

With Vicky Ostwal: A flawless opening hour saw Kerala bowlers M.D. Nidheesh and N.P. Basil scythed through the Maharashtra top order with swing and bounce, putting the hosts in command at the end of the opening day’s play in their Ranji Trophy 2025-26 clash at the Sports Hub, Greenfield Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday.

After being reduced to a disastrous 18 for five, Maharashtra were pulled out of the mire by Ruturaj Gaikwad (91, 151b, 11x4) and Jalaj Saxena (49, 106b, 4x4), who combined to add 122 runs for the sixth wicket. Their partnership not only steadied the innings but also ensured that the visitors crossed the 150-run mark before bad light and rain forced early stumps with Maharashtra at 179 for seven, 37 minutes after tea.

Earlier, Kerala captain Mohammed Azharuddeen’s decision to bowl first proved inspired. Nidheesh struck gold with the new ball, trapping Prithvi Shaw (0) lbw with a sharp inswinger in the very first over. Moments later, Siddesh Veer (0) feathered an edge to the keeper to leave Maharashtra reeling at 0 for two.