India, Oct. 18 -- Punjab captain Uday Saharan displayed admirable composure and self-belief to guide his side to a position of strength on the opening day of their Ranji Trophy Elite Group B encounter against Chhattisgarh at the PCA International Cricket Stadium, Ground A, on Sunday.

The 22-year-old struck his third unbeaten first-class century, finishing the day on 106 off 179 deliveries, with 13 boundaries, as Punjab reached 269/4 in 90 overs after opting to bat. Wicketkeeper-batter Salil Arora provided valuable support, remaining unbeaten on 38 off 76 balls as the pair ensured Punjab ended the day on a positive note.

For Saharan, the innings was about more than just accumulating runs. With India captain Shubman Gill in the Punjab dre...