'A normal performance': That's what Yash Dhull calls his record feat on Ranji debut

Delhi opener Yash Dhull, who became only the third batter to score centuries in both innings on Ranji debut, plays down his incredible feat; dad Vijay salutes U-19 World Cup-winning son’s mental toughness against Tamil Nadu

A few weeks ago, Yash Dhull led the India U-19 team to World Cup glory in the Caribbean, on February 5. Dhull led the white-ball challenge from the front, scoring 229 runs in just four games. Yesterday, the Delhi opener proved he’s a class act in red-ball cricket too as he slammed back-to-back centuries (113 and 113 not out) in both innings on his first-class debut in a drawn Ranji Trophy encounter against Tamil Nadu (TN) in Guwahati.

Dhull became only the third Indian to score centuries in both innings on Ranji debut. The other two being former India captain Nari Contractor (for Gujarat) and Maharashtra’s Virag Awate. Yash however, played down his feat. “It’s nothing great. It’s just a normal performance. Whatever I learnt about the game, I tried to execute it and got the best results,” Yash told mid-day from Guwahati on Sunday.

Dhull’s ability to quickly shift focus from ODIs to the four-day Ranji format has been impressive. At the World Cup, he batted at No.4 while here he opened the innings with equal ease. When asked if he had ever opened previously for Delhi in the U-16 or U-19 teams, Yash replied in the negative: “No…never. I used to play slightly up the order in Delhi’s local leagues so I had some experience there. But I always prepare myself as per the needs of the team. I kept telling myself that I have to give my 100 per cent as an opening batsman.”

Yash’s father Vijay hailed his son’s mental toughness. “Yash has this habit of reading situations very well and playing accordingly. So, when they [Delhi] needed runs, he played an attacking knock in the first innings and in the second, it was important to spend a day at the wicket, so he did that,” Dhull Sr told mid-day from Delhi on Sunday. 

Vijay Dhull

When asked how his son manages to shift focus so effortlessly, the doting dad took some credit for the trait: “I always used to tell him to get into the habit of switching off and switching on as per the situation. So, after finishing a game, when he came out of the ground, he always switched off everything about the game. He never thinks or discusses that match. Then, he switches on a different button when he needs to relax and spend some quality time with his family or friends.”

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