Satish Ganesh’s individual first innings knock (163 runs from 308 balls) for Vidarbha exceeded Delhi’s team score (154 all out in first innings) by nine runs. The visitors folded up in the second innings for 123, bowled out twice to lose by an innings and 93 runs at VCA stadium. Virender Sehwag’s stylish 41 on a turning track was the highest score for Delhi in the four-day, day seventh round Ranji league match.
Delhi can laugh away the blues, having confirmed a Ranji semifinal entry regardless of the result away against underdogs Vidarbha. Karnataka and India U-19 batsman Ganesh can be happy about his performance, outshining Sehwag, Gautam Gambhir, Mithun Manhas and Unmukt Chand with an innings based on self-denial and team commitment. He repayed Vidarbha’s decision to have him as the outstation pro, paid to perform with the bat.
He loves to attack, as seen in the 2014 Ranji Trophy final for Karnataka against Maharashtra (16 boundaries in 116 off 212 balls in the first innings partnering K L Rahul) and reputation for rattling up quick runs winning him a call up for 2010 Challenger Trophy under Yuvraj Singh, representing India Blue in the event featuring India’s one-day probable.
Shikhar Dhawan, Ajinkya Rahane were teammates on India Blue graduating to the senior team and confirmed World Cup slots. Cheteshwar Pujara played on the same India U-19 side with the Vidarbha one-drop batsmen in 2005 during a home series against England. Ganesh banked upon runs in first-class cricket to come under selectors’ radar, hence the career move to a different zone.
Walking away from spotlight associated with a Ranji team crowned king of domestic cricket to continue the journey down an unknown road as an outstation player representing Central Zone side Vidarbha is a difficult decision. Ganesh played age-group cricket at Karnataka, growing up with players now wearing India colours when he got the feeling of being left behind.
Excerpts from a chat after Vidarbha’s innings win at Jamtha:
Q: On Karnataka’s penchant for tall scores in Ranji, 700-plus against Uttar Pradesh in Group B league and a triple ton from K L Rahul:
A: Karnataka has been a high-scoring team for some years now. Many batsmen in form at the same time, each one eager to play so you can imagine the competition in the squad. K L Rahul scored a triple century and is already in the Test squad, Robin Uthappa and Karun Nair have been getting the runs. Others are capable batsmen.
Q: Reason for attempting a career in the shadows away from defending Ranji Trophy champion Karnataka :
A: I was not getting the opportunities I felt I deserved, so thought of joining a team where my runs would count. When I came to know that Hemang Badani was leaving, I move in. Sir (team coach Paras Mhambrey) insists on us building on good stars. I tried to help Vidarbha put up a good score.
Q: Scoring more runs individually than the entire Delhi line-up could manage together :
A: Once I spend time at the crease, my thought was to make sure we had enough runs for our bowlers to take on the Delhi batting line-up. We have a young side, each player pulling others along under S Badrinath’s leadership. He has tremendous experience and is so supportive.
Q: Thoughts about batting talent at Vidarbha :
A: Vidarbha have been performing consistently for the last three to four years now. Talent is there to become a strong team in Indian cricket. The team is carrying the form in one-day format into the four-day game. Youngsters are doing well, a good sign for any emerging side. Three of us from outside (captain Badrinath from Tamil Nadu, spinner Rakesh Dhruv from Gujarat were signed up for 2015 season) are making a difference.
Factfile Right-handed batsman and part-time wicketkeeper. Age: 27 years. Ranji teams played for: Karnataka and Vidarbha. Ranji debut in 2008 Karnataka vs Railways. First-class batting record: average 46.27 in 48 matches, 13 times not out, eight centuries and 15 half-centuries. Fielding record: 26 catches. Highest scores for Vidarbha in current first-class season: 163 vs Delhi, 167 vs Saurashtra, 99 and 54 not out vs Odisha. |
