RANJI TROPHY | Kerala turns the screws on Goa with a hefty first-innings lead

Kerala takes control against Goa in the Ranji Trophy, led by skipper Vishnu's impressive century and a strong batting display.

Kerala’s batters flexed their muscles for the second day running as they put their side in control against Goa in their Ranji Trophy 2025-26 group-stage match at the GCA Ground here on Saturday.

Skipper Vishnu Vinod’s breezy hundred glued together Kerala’s batting efforts on the third day, as the away side declared at a massive 526 for nine, to gain a 171-run first-innings lead.

In response, Goan openers Suyash Prabhudessai and Kashyap Bakhale added 18 runs from four overs before stumps.

Earlier, Vishnu formed crucial middle-order alliances with Ahammed Imran and Ankit Sharma to chart Kerala’s ascendancy.

Goa players search for a lost ball beyond the boundary line on day-3 of their Group B Ranji Trophy match against Kerala held at Goa Cricket Association (GCA) Academy Ground, in Alto Porvorim, Goa on Saturday, January 31, 2026. | Photo Credit: B. JOTHI RAMALINGAM

Vishnu’s knock was a stroke-filled endeavour studded with adventurous sweeps and elegant flicks, as he scored his third First-Class hundred in just 110 deliveries.