2017-18 Ranji Trophy: 5 best performers from the first round

#4 Yusuf Pathan

Yusuf was on fire for Baroda against MP

The Baroda batsman had a miserable 2017 IPL and in all likelihood, he won't be retained by the Kolkata Knight Riders franchise. But, the right-hander made a strong statement in the Ranji Trophy opener against Madhya Pradesh in Indore as he hit two centuries in two innings and saved Baroda from an innings defeat.

After conceding 551 runs bowling first, Baroda were reeling at 54/3 when Yusuf walked out to bat. An over later, it became 54/4 and Irfan joined his elder brother at the crease. The out of favour Indian internationals played a counter-attacking game as they took on the attack to the opposition. Yusuf played his natural game and reached his century with a six off just 113 balls.

Soon after, the duo's 188-run partnership for the fifth wicket came to an end after Irfan was dismissed for 80. Exactly one over later, Yusuf's 125-ball 111 innings came to an end as well. He hit 13 boundaries and six sixes during his stay at the crease.

Baroda were dismissed for 302 in the first innings, handing MP a lead of 249 and were forced to follow-on. Yet again, Baroda's top-order failed as Yusuf walked out to bat at 50/4 and it became 68/7 soon after with Irfan back in the hut. Yusuf used all his experience and started off cautiously.

He, along with Atit Sheth, rescued their team from losing by an innings as they put on a 218-run partnership for the eighth wicket before the latter was dismissed for 109. In the meantime, Yusuf reached his century off 122 balls, his slowest in Ranji Trophy and saved his side from an innings defeat. He remained unbeaten on 136 off 154 balls with the help of 16 fours and seven sixes.

Eventually, MP beat Baroda by eight wickets, thanks to the huge first innings total.