After long wait to represent Kerala, Abhishek makes it count with Ranji Trophy hundred

Abhishek P. Nair played in Karnataka for a few years but could not break into the playing eleven at Under-19 level. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Unlike most cricketers, Abhishek P. Nair had to wait till senior cricket to represent his State. In just his second Ranji Trophy innings, he made a fine 126 against Jharkhand at the Keenan Stadium here on Tuesday.

His first innings was as a concussion substitute at Thiruvananthapuram last year against Saurashtra. He came into reckoning after scoring a 52-ball 108 in the Presidents Cup T20 tournament last year.

“Though I represented the district (Thiruvananthapuram) and also played for the zone at junior levels, I could never get selected in the Kerala team [in age-group cricket],” said Abhishek. “Because of my father’s transfer, I played for a few years in Karnataka and I had once made it to their Under-19 squad, but could not play in the eleven.”

Abhishek can stroke the ball nicely, but he also showed the technique and temperament required for the longer format. “I have worked on that with coach Biju George,” said the left-handed opener. “I was determined to play a long innings and I am glad that I could do it in this match.”

He said it was a good wicket to bat on. “But the spinners have been getting some help now, and batting isn’t as easy as the first two days,” he said. “It was indeed a good toss won by Jharkhand. But we are hopeful of batting well on the last day.”