Tamil Nadu’s Ranji Trophy opener against Rajasthan, where it conceded an 89-run first-innings lead, offered both familiar batting concerns and reasons for optimism in the pace department.

Tamil Nadu folded up for 274 in reply to Rajasthan’s 363. It needs its established batters to shoulder greater responsibility.

N. Jagadeesan (55) and Pradosh Ranjan Paul (58) batted together for nearly half of the second day, but neither converted his half-century into a substantial score. Jagadeesan, in particular, will rue his dismissal, holing out to long-off off left-arm spinner Kukna Ajay Singh.

Andre Siddarth has been a source of encouragement for Tamil Nadu across three consecutive seasons. Known for his positive intent, the 20-year-old has shown he can play both counter-attacking and attritional innings, as his 192-ball 81 demonstrated. With a First Class average of 54.45, he has made a compelling case for consideration higher up the order.

The side lost its last five wickets for 10 runs. The lower-order’s lack of application, as pointed out by skipper Sai Kishore, has been a recurring problem in recent seasons.

Mumbai, for instance, has benefited from the batting depth provided by Shams Mulani, Tanush Kotian, Shardul Thakur, and even Tushar Deshpande. Tamil Nadu needs similar contributions from its lower-order. Instead, Washington Sundar was left stranded as wickets fell at the other end.

On an initially placid surface, Saravana Kumar and D. Deepesh were workhorse-like. The 37-year-old Saravana Kumar, playing only his third Ranji match, claimed three of the four wickets on the opening day and finished with figures of three for 68 in the first essay. He removed two well-set batters, Sumit Godara (49) and Rohan Rajbar (95), breaking both of Rajasthan’s century partnerships.

Wicketless for 18.5 overs, debutant Deepesh persisted with the short ball and claimed three wickets in his next eight deliveries (three for 89), triggering a collapse. His pace and bounce are valuable assets, while Gurjapneet Singh’s return should make the pace attack more potent.