Guwahati, February 20
Yash Dhull, captain of India’s U-19 World Cup-winning team, capped a dream First-Class debut by scoring his second century of the match even as the Ranji Trophy Group H match between Delhi and Tamil Nadu ended in a draw here today.
With an unbeaten 113 off 202 balls on the fourth and final day, Dhull became only the third batter after Nari Contractor (1952-53) and Virag Awate (2012-13) to score a hundred in each innings on Ranji Trophy debut.
He is ready for the next level (India) game-wise. I would like to fast-track him. When he spends time with senior players in the India setup, he will only become a better player Raj Kumar Sharma, Delhi coach
‘Ready to play for India’
Delhi coach Raj Kumar Sharma, who is also the childhood coach of Virat Kohli, said Dhull should be fast-tracked into the Indian team.
“He is ready for the next level (India) game-wise. I would like to fast-track him. When he spends time with senior players in the India setup, he will only become a better player,” said Sharma.
“Yash has shown he can dominate in white-ball cricket and at the same has the game to do well in the longer version,” he added. “It was a dream debut for him. We were under pressure early on Day 1 and the way he dominated the likes of Sandeep Warrier was a sight. Tamil Nadu had us under pressure but his temperament stood out.”
The coach also picked Dhull’s first-day hundred for special praise as it came after Tamil Nadu put them in to bat in testing conditions.
Easier conditions
After Shahrukh Khan got Tamil Nadu the all-important first innings lead with a sensational 194 off 148 balls on Day 3, Dhull and his senior opening partner Dhruv Shorey (107 off 165) batted for 60.5 overs to take Delhi to 228 for no loss in the second innings before the players shook hands for a draw.
Dhull, who came into the game straight from the U-19 World Cup triumph in the West Indies and with no recent red-ball cricket under his belt, instantly proved that he belonged at this level.
His second hundred of the match came in easier batting conditions. In the first innings, with Delhi under pressure at 7/2 on Day 1, the 19-year-old showed remarkable skill and maturity to bail the team out of trouble and help them to 452. — PTI
3 Yash Dhull became only the third batter after Nari Contractor (1952-53) and Virag Awate (2012-13) to score a hundred in each innings on Ranji Trophy debut
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