The Ranji Trophy 2022-23 marks the return of senior men’s domestic First Class cricket in India as it kicks off on December 13. 38 teams have been divided into five groups. Four groups with eight teams each belong to the Elite Groups while six teams have been put in one Plate Group.
Round 1 matches of India’s premier domestic red-ball competition went into day two on Wednesday, December 14. Cricket Legend Sachin Tendulkar’s son Arjun Tendulkar tried to escape the shadow of his father on a cricket field. When it couldn’t happen in Mumbai, he moved to Goa. Now, he has tasted the feeling of a Ranji Trophy hundred in his debut outing. The journey hasn’t been easy. The surname has had its privileges but it also comes with a burden.
On Wednesday, Arjun scored his maiden first-class century on his Ranji Trophy debut and emulated his father. Way back in 1988, Sachin scored a hundred on his Ranji Trophy debut against Gujarat when he was a mere 15-year-old prodigy. 34 years later, Arjun managed to emulate his father in the match against Rajasthan at the Goa Cricket Association Academy.
Goa in a strong position
Arjun was batting on four off 15 balls at the end of play on Day 1 of the match. On Day two, the left-handed batter put his best foot forward and got to his half-century without having to break much sweat.
He completed his century in just 178 deliveries with 12 fours and two sixes and has announced his arrival in the domestic stages. Goa has crossed the 400-run mark with the Rajasthan pacers tiring out while Suyash Prabhudessai is on his way to a double century as well.
Arjun came to bat after Goa lost the crucial wicket of Siddesh Lad in the 79th over with the score at 196 for the loss of four wickets. Arjun’s innings helped Goa get past the 300-run mark. The youngster and centurion Suyash Prabhudesai have currently put together an unbeaten 198-run stand for the sixth wicket on Day 2.
