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Who is Ajay Mandal, the Chhattisgarh bowler who dismissed Shubman Gill in Ranji Trophy?

Ajay Mandal, Chhattisgarh’s left-arm spinner, made headlines in the Ranji Trophy 2026-27 after dismissing Punjab captain Shubman Gill in a high-profile wicket. Gill, batting at number four, lasted just five balls before Mandal’s delivery found the middle stump, marking a rare early setback for the Indian Test skipper.

The 24-year-old Mandal, who debuted for Chhattisgarh in 2016-17, has since become the state’s leading wicket-taker in First-Class cricket, reaching 100 Ranji Trophy wickets—a milestone no other Chhattisgarh bowler has achieved. His career includes 133 wickets across 47 matches, with a best haul of 13/63, while his batting has also shown flair, including a career-best 241 not out at number eight against Uttarakhand in 2019.

Despite being picked by Chennai Super Kings in 2023 and later by Delhi Capitals, Mandal remains unsigned in the Indian Premier League, adding intrigue to his rising profile in domestic cricket.

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