Abhilash enjoying new role

Sakyasen Mittra

Bhubaneswar, Dec 18: He is two matches old into the job, but new Orissa Ranji Trophy skipper is relishing the challenges as well as the perks that come with leading the side. Orissa may have lost their second Ranji Trophy game at the DRIEMS ground in Tangi, Wednesday, but Abhilash notched up his maiden first class 100 during the process.

“Yes, I have been waiting for it for some time now,” stated Abhilash here Thursday. “I have got out in the 90s a couple of times – in fact I have also once been dismissed on 99. So to get to the three-figure mark was a real relief for me,” added the middle-order batsman.

He was the first to acknowledge that he was nervous when he was in the 90s and God had helped him to get to his century. “Definitely, I was a bit nervous. Those dismissals were returning to my mind,” informed the dapper-looking player. “But then God helped me as Kushang Patel bowled a no ball and I promptly stroked it for a century. I felt really happy after reaching the mark,” added the man who took 21 games to get his first 100. Other than the century, Abhilash has seven half centuries against his name.

The new skipper also stated that all his seniors have been helping him on the ground. But then what have the two matches as captain taught him? Abhilash promptly replied that captaincy has taught him to handle pressure in a better manner.

“When a team is 18 for five, the pressure is tremendous. Against Gujarat, I told myself whatever happens, I will play my normal game. I will not allow the pressures of captaincy, affect my batting,” informed Abhilash. “I am satisfied with the result. My only regret is that I couldn’t bat a little longer and at least manage a point for my side. But as I said, I am not bothered now by the pressures of leading the side.”

Orissa’s beginning in the Ranji Trophy this time around has not been bright. They conceded a first innings lead to Maharashtra while losing outright to Gujarat. Abhilash stated that the top order batters will have to fire if Orissa are to get out of the rut. “Against Gujarat we lost three batsmen in both the innings before we had 10 runs on the board. Against Maharashtra also the top and middle order did not bat well. We as batsmen will have to deliver, if we want to be in the limelight,” asserted Abihlash.

Perfect observations keeping in mind that in the remaining games, Orissa will have to play teams like Delhi, Punjab, Rajasthan and Haryana.