Karan Sharma and Aaradhya Yadav Lead UP’s Charge Against Odisha in Ranji Trophy 2025-26

Uttar Pradesh’s Ranji campaign got a strong push in Kanpur as skipper Karan Sharma and wicketkeeper-batter Aaradhya Yadav stood tall against Odisha, turning an early stumble into total command.

Odisha, batting first, managed 243 runs steady but far from imposing. UP’s bowlers, led by tidy spells across the attack, kept things under control and set up the perfect platform for their batters.

The chase didn’t start smoothly. UP were 45 for 2, the top order rattled by Odisha’s disciplined bowling. But then came the stand that changed everything.

Karan Sharma walked in with his usual calm and began to rebuild. Aaradhya Yadav joined him soon after, and together they turned pressure into opportunity. The two shared a match-defining partnership of 200-plus runs class, patience, and timing all on display.

Karan brought up a captain’s century, finishing with 121, steering his team with authority and maturity. Aaradhya was equally impressive, reaching his maiden hundred (101*) before retiring hurt, but not before showing the kind of composure that defines good red-ball players.

Their partnership pushed UP’s total beyond 380, securing a first-innings lead that all but ruled out an Odisha comeback.

Rain, though, had other plans. Persistent showers and bad light on the final two days denied UP a chance to push for an outright win. The match eventually ended in a draw, but the performance of Sharma and Yadav stood out—two players leading from the front when it mattered most.

For Uttar Pradesh, this game was less about the result and more about intent. Their skipper showed why he’s trusted at the helm, and Aaradhya Yadav’s century added another promising name to UP’s growing list of dependable batters.

The partnership wasn’t just about runs it was about control, confidence, and the calm assertion that UP are a team to watch this season.