Top 5 performers from the 5th round of Ranji Trophy 2017-18
The final round of Ranji matches before the start of the India-Sri Lanka Test series saw several Indian stars feature. Murali Vijay and KL Rahul, who are both expected to open the innings against Sri Lanka, got in some much-needed time at the middle. While Vijay scored a century, Rahul fell just eight short.
Two more openers too, recorded centuries but ultimately in vain. Gautam Gambhir scored 144 for Delhi against Karnataka but his side ended up conceded the first innings lead in a stalemate while Priyank Panchal scored his first century of the season but Gujarat too conceded the lead to Saurashtra.
Such was the wealth of options to choose from in this round that none of those four players make it into the top 5 performers from the fifth round of the Ranji Trophy.
Here are the top 5 performers from the 5th round of Ranji Trophy 2017-18:
Cheteshwar Pujara
Cheteshwar Pujara just fell short of making it double centuries in back-to-back matches as the Saurashtra batsman fell for 182. Already the record-holder for most first-class double centuries by an Indian batsman, the 29-year-old fell just 18 short of his 13th double ton and claiming joint custody of the record for most f-c double tons by an Asian batsman along with Kumar Sangakkara.
However, Pujara's century helped his side post a massive 570 in their first innings against Gujarat and while the game eventually ended in a draw, Saurashtra took a first-innings lead and strengthened their grip on top spot in Group B. With the first Test against Sri Lanka just a few days away, back-to-back centuries ensured he will go into it on the back of a mountain of runs.