Sonu and Ajith push Tamil Nadu closer to victory against Chandigarh

Chandigarh Just before taking the field on Wednesday (November 4, 2026), the entire Tamil Nadu unit, including the support staff, gathered in a huddle. Head coach Yo Mahesh yelled: “What do we have?” The players roared: “Freedom!” “How do we do it?” came the next question. “Together!” the group roared. Those two words — freedom and togetherness — dictated the third day’s play as TN tightened its grip on its Ranji Trophy Elite Group D fourth-round clash against Chandigarh at the Sector-16 Ground in Chandigarh.

The visitor needed just 17.3 overs in the morning session to dismiss the host for 94 in its first innings. Following on, Chandigarh reached 189 for seven at stumps, still trailing by 288 runs and staring at an innings defeat. The host began its second essay with greater composure. Openers Nehal Pajni and Arjun Azad (60, 90b, 8x4, 1x6) rotated the strike and took the score past 50 before skipper R.

Sai Kishore broke the 73-run stand, thanks to a stunning effort at forward short-leg by G. Ajitesh just before lunch.