A batting collapse put paid to Tamil Nadu’s hopes of escaping with a draw in its Ranji Trophy contest against Himachal on Day Four. The new ball seemed to have played the decisive role, but captain B. Indrajith refused to use that as an excuse.
The momentum generated by the loss of a wicket at a crucial stage – that of Vijay Shankar three overs before the new ball was taken – was the decisive factor, according to Indrajith.
Reflecting on his team’s loss, he said, “All we needed was a partnership of 40-50 runs and that would have seen us through. I don’t think they (Himachal) were looking for an outright win.”
READ: Seamers script dramatic win for Himachal
Indrajith was the architect of Tamil Nadu’s recovery that gave the impression the contest would be drawn. But he was one of the six wickets to fall, a period that turned the tables.
Rishi Dhawan, the seamer, snuck a delivery through the seemingly impenetrable defense of Indrajith, and he was bowled. Talking about his dismissal, Indrajith said, “The ball did come [into me], a little bit. I missed the ball.”
The team’s woes continued, as Ankush Bains tore into the Tamil Nadu attack. The victory was sealed with half an hour to go, and 10 overs. Indrajith confessed the batsmen had to be contained, but wickets had to be taken as well. “We were looking to do both, but it didn’t work out for us,” he said.
Among the bright spots in the contest for Tamil Nadu was a landmark reached by opener Abhinav Mukund. En route to his 128 in the second innings, the southpaw became the highest run-getter for his side in the Ranji Trophy.
Indrajith said, “[Abhinav] is Tamil Nadu’s legend. I hope he continues his good form for us.”
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