3 November 2026 Punjab Khabarnama Bureau : Karnataka’s Ritesh Bhatkal and Shikhar Shetty delivered outstanding bowling performances to put their team in a commanding position against Assam in the fourth round of the Ranji Trophy 2026-27. Both bowlers claimed five wickets each as Assam were bowled out for just 135 runs in their first innings at the ACA Stadium in Guwahati.
Karnataka responded strongly with the bat, reaching 180 for two at the end of the day’s play on November 2. The visitors secured a 45-run first-innings lead with eight wickets still in hand, putting themselves in a strong position to take control of the match.
Ritesh Bhatkal and Shikhar Shetty Dominate with the Ball
Assam struggled to build partnerships against Karnataka’s disciplined bowling attack. Ritesh Bhatkal and Shikhar Shetty shared the wickets equally, picking up five wickets apiece to dismantle the home side’s batting line-up.
Ritesh finished with figures of 5/35, while Shikhar returned an impressive 5/53. Their combined effort ensured Assam could not reach a competitive total despite playing on home conditions.
The Karnataka bowlers maintained pressure throughout the innings, regularly breaking partnerships and preventing Assam’s batters from settling at the crease.
Karnataka Build First-Innings Lead
In reply, Karnataka’s batters produced a confident response. Rohan Patil led the scoring with an unbeaten 89, providing stability at the top of the order.
Karnataka reached 180/2 in 36 overs, moving 45 runs ahead of Assam’s first-innings total. The remaining batters were in a position to extend the advantage when play ended.
The visitors’ strong batting response complemented their impressive bowling performance and gave them control of the contest heading into the next day’s play.
Karnataka Look to Build on Strong Start
The match is part of the Elite Group B fixtures in the Ranji Trophy 2026-27 season. Karnataka entered the contest after registering an innings-and-116-run victory over Tripura in the previous round.
Their performance against Assam continued the team’s positive momentum. Ritesh Bhatkal and Shikhar Shetty’s five-wicket hauls highlighted the depth of Karnataka’s bowling resources, while Rohan Patil’s unbeaten innings provided the necessary support with the bat.
With eight wickets remaining and a first-innings lead already secured, Karnataka will look to increase the advantage and put further pressure on Assam in the remaining days of the four-day match.