Top 5 performers from the 5th round of Ranji Trophy 2017-18

Saurabh Kumar

The 24-year-old impressed with both and ball

Uttar Pradesh all-rounder Saurabh Kumar came into this round of the Ranji Trophy, having played just two games this season with 15 wickets under his belt already. And while he picked up eight more, including a five-wicket haul in the first innings against Assam, it was his century in the first innings that made all the difference.

Coming in at No.8, with his team struggling at 74/6, Kumar added 246 runs for the seventh wicket along with Upendra Yadav as both batsmen scored centuries to help UP score 349 when a score of just over 100 looked more likely. Not content with his contribution with the bat, the 24-year-old ran through the Assam top order and helped UP take a first innings lead.

Although the game eventually ended in a draw, the left-arm spinner also picked up three wickets in the second innings to finish with a century and eight wickets in the game.