Akshar Patel's three-wicket haul gave Gujarat an upper hand as they reduced Delhi to 195 for four at stumps on day two, even as India discards -- Virender Sehwag and Gautam Gambhir -- failed once again to make an impression in their Group A Ranji Trophy match here today.
Gujarat, in their first innings, were all out for 320 earlier in the day. Delhi still trail the hosts by 125 runs with six wickets remaining.
Delhi were reeling at 49 for four at one stage but the old warhorse Mithun Manhas and Manan Sharma put on an unbeaten 146-run stand for the fifth wicket to rescue the visitors.
While Manhas was not out on 85, Manan was on 59 at the end of day two.
However, today all eyes were on the two out-of-favour India batsmen -- Sehwag and Gambhir -- both of whom are eager to make a comeback into the national fold. But none of the two could make the opportunity count.
While Gambhir wasted a fine start to get dismissed for a 79-ball 31, which included four hits to the fence, Sehwag was out for just one after facing four balls.
A delivery from spinner Jesal Karia saw Sehwag hitting the ball high up in the air to give a simple catch to the fielder at the mid-on.
Gambhir, on the other hand, edged an Akshar delivery to short leg to leave Delhi reeling at 49 for four.
Manhas and Manan steadied the boat as both scored their half-centuries each. Manhas's unbeaten knock came off 195 balls, laced with 11 fours and two sixes and Manan's 124-ball innings was studded with nine boundaries and a six.
Left-arm orthodox bowler, Akshar finished with figures of three for 24.
Earlier, Gujarat, after resuming on 281 for seven, added another 39 runs to the total by losing three wickets.
Overnight batsman Akshar, resuming on 22, went on to score 38 while Rush Kalaria (13) and Jasprit Bumrah (10 not out) helped Gujarat cross the 300-run mark.
Sumit Narwal was the pick of the Delhi wickets with 6/71.
Brief scores:
Gujarat 1st inngs: 320 all out in 104 overs (Venugopal Rao 107, Manpreet Juneja 50; Sumit Narwal 6/71). Delhi 1st inngs: 195 for four in 76 overs (Mithun Manhas batting 85, Manan Sharma batting 59; Akshar Patel 3/24).
