Ajay Rohera: Great feeling to score double-century on Ranji debut

Madhya Pradesh's Ajay Rohera now holds the record for the highest score on Ranji Trophy debut, his unbeaten 267 against Hyderabad eclipsing the previous record (260) set by former Mumbai batsman Amol Muzumdar.

Published : Dec 08, 2018 18:33 IST , Indore

Ajay Rohera acknowledges the applause after creating the record for the highest score on Ranji Trophy debut for Madhya Pradesh against Hyderabad.
Ajay Rohera acknowledges the applause after creating the record for the highest score on Ranji Trophy debut for Madhya Pradesh against Hyderabad.
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Ajay Rohera acknowledges the applause after creating the record for the highest score on Ranji Trophy debut for Madhya Pradesh against Hyderabad.

Strange it may sound, but Ajay Rohera reveals that only on Saturday morning was he aware of the fact that he was six runs away from becoming the highest individual scorer on Ranji Trophy debut!

“Honestly, I came to know today that I was very close to that record by Amol bhai from whom I learnt a lot last year. And, never ever thought one day that I would break it,” says a very composed Rohera in a chat with Sportstar .

READ | Muzumdar: 'Hope Ajay Rohera goes on to play for India'

His father Raj Kumar Rohera runs an ice cream plant at Dewas. Maybe, some resemblance for the way Rohera kept cool so throughout his record-breaking effort – his unbeaten 267 eclipsed the previous record of Muzumdar who scored 260 for Mumbai against Haryana in the 1993-94 season.

And, Ajay Rohera had every reason to celebrate the moment he crossed the magic figure this morning. 

The 21-year-old opener also erased the record of the highest individual score for any Madhya Pradesh batsman - going past 265 of J. P. Yadav.

Interestingly, Rohera was seen gesturing to his dressing room as if suggesting that he would love to bat on for three more overs.

Not surprisingly, captain Naman Ojha and everyone in the squad were waiting near the boundary line to present Rohera a bouquet as a token of appreciation.

Ajay-Rohera
Ajay Rohera is congratulated by his Madhya Pradesh captain Naman Ojha.
 

"It is a great feeling to score a double-century on debut and that too with a record. There was no pressure at all. My coach Sodhi sir encouraged me a lot. Everyone kept telling me to just go out and enjoy, play with usual freedom," Rohera said even while dedicating the record to all those who supported him and especially his parents.

READ | Rohera, Avesh help Madhya Pradesh thump Hyderabad

What next? Pat came the reply - practice tomorrow.

“Now the record is past. Time to forget it and look ahead and keep improving,” signed off a composed Rohera.

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