Sachin Baby had a mixed feeling at the end of play.

While he was happy for hitting his 16th First Class century, all of which have come in the Ranji Trophy, the former Kerala captain was disappointed with the way he got out against Odisha at the fag end of the day. Sachin got a faint edge and was caught brilliantly down the leg side by wicketkeeper Sandeep Dhuper.

“It is the third time I have been dismissed in the same manner this season. I could have left the ball, but I was tempted to play it and got a tickle. But I am happy to have scored my 16th century,” said the 37-year-old.

“The conditions were challenging when I came in. The Odisha bowlers did pretty well and didn’t give any loose balls. But I knew the pitch would ease out after the first session, so I was patient and played the ball on merit. The surface is a bit uneven at one end and strokeplay is not easy on it.’’

Sachin also praised Mohammed Azharuddeen, who returned to form with a patient unbeaten knock of 72, and said the 141-run sixth-wicket stand was crucial for shifting the momentum in favour of Kerala.