From being the vice-captain last year, to having to fight for a place in the side it has been a rollercoaster of a year for B. Aparajith.
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However, when most batsmen failed around him in the first innings of the opening match against Andhra, the 23-year old dug deep and scored a fifty. He then followed it up with an unbeaten hundred in the second innings.
After missing the second game against Tripura due to India A commitments, Aparajith had to frustratingly sit out against Mumbai in the last game as the team wanted to give M. Kaushik Gandhi one more chance after having played well last season.
But on Friday, Aparajith grabbed his latest opportunity with both hands as he slammed another unbeaten century against Odisha. His knock of 109 (230b) included nine fours and one six.
Speaking after the day’s play, Aparajith said he has come to terms with the decision of being benched in the last game. “I think I understood the situation because it was not easy for the team as well. It was a decision taken for the wellness of the team. I think Kaushik did well last year and it was not easy for the captain and team,” he said.
When asked if there is more pressure now he said, “I don't see it as pressure. I take it game by game. I try to enjoy my cricket and I realised that I need to enjoy my cricket little more. That’s when I get the best out of me.”
He added, “One thing that I have realised is that when you do get a chance, you have to be prepared for it. If you feel that it's a pressure game or your final chance, you won't be able to perform well. The desire to do well should be there, but not that pressure.”
“Last year was tough for me, I had to play u-23 games (after being dropped). I came back. But I learnt a lot from it and those learnings are keeping me in good stead.”
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