Ranji Trophy 2015: New season, new goals

The Ranji Trophy is back, and here are the contenders who can make it big this time around. (Source: Express File)

Domestic cricket is upon us again and with the opening round of matches set to commence on Thursday, The Indian Express finds out what the next few months of cricketing action mean to five individuals at different stages of their careers fostering different dreams and ambitions.

‘Need to score 1,000 runs, qualify for knock-outs’

Jammu and Kashmir’s Shubham Khajuria is hoping 2015-16 will be his breakthrough season. (Express Photo by: Shuaib Masoodi)

Shubham Khajuria,
Age: 20, Team: J&K

Last year, prior to the start of the Ranji season, it was the elements that Shubham Khajuria was battling.

As Jhelum kept rising in the town of Sonwar, threatening to submerge everything in its wake, Khajuria swam to safety of the elevated Army helipad. This year around, like the rest of his Jammu & Kashmir cricket team, he was up against humans who had swamped the cricket with their politics.
In between he had a battle against his own body. It’s been quite a year for the 20-year old…..Read the full story here

 

Lakshmipathy Balaji hopes rest on young seamers — Aswin Christ, who is also closely watched by Glenn McGrath for his MRF Pace Academy. (Source: Express file)

‘Want to be mentor to youngsters’

Lakshmipathy Balaji
Age: 34, Team: Tamil Nadu

“One moment you are on top whistling, then you are down and gone – that’s cricket for you.” Only L Balaji can say that statement and laugh. Disaster had gatecrashed when he had just begun to whistle. From being the highest wicket-taker among seamers from both teams in a home Test series against Pakistan in 2005, the ground slipped from under his feet in the same year as he was hit with a threatening spinal cord injury…Read the full story here.

Mohit Ahlawat hails from Panipat, where he first played cricket. (Source: Express photo by Rohit Jain Paras)

‘Better life for my parents’

Mohit Ahlawat,

Age: 23, Team: Delhi

Just a day before their son plays his first Ranji Trophy game, Ahlawat, a small pick-up truck driver, and his wife, a guest teacher at a small school, in Panipat, are filled with hopes of a better life. In a short span, Mohit Ahlawat, a wicketkeeper-batsman who had started taking cricket seriously around three years ago, has done enough to move into big leagues. He may not have toiled under the sun for years like most of his teammates, but Ahlawat’s arduous journey..Read the full story here.

Nathu Singh has been clocked at 145 kmph. (Express Photo by: Rohit Jain Paras)

‘Want to hit 140 kph consistently’

Nathu Singh,

Age: 20, Team: Rajasthan

It’s not uncommon for young tearaways to have tattoos. It’s, however, not common for them to ink the text ‘Mom Dad ‘ on their body. It’s also uncommon to have Indian boys bowling around 140 kmph. Say hello to the surprise of this summer – 20-year old Nathu Singh who promises to be the great big hope from Rajasthan.
Not many have seen him yet but those who have are filled with hope. Like the chief coach of MRF Pace Academy Senthilnathan and Glenn McGrath, the head coach…Read full story here.

Sarfaraz Khan with Uttar Pradesh skipper Praveen Kumar.

‘I want to prove that I am not just a T20 player’

Sarfaraz Khan,
Age: 17, Team: Uttar Pradesh

The youngster, who caught the eye in the last IPL with his adolescent naughtiness that spilled over to his batting, is growing ambitious this Ranji season. Aware that he is been seen as good for just cameos, he is hoping not to just score runs but bat for entire day. Just a few months ago, the 17-year-old stunned Mumbai cricketing fraternity by shifting his base to Uttar Pradesh….Read full story here.