Ranji Trophy 2016: 5 youngsters who had a dream debut

#2 Ashutosh Singh

Ashutosh celebrating his ton. Picture courtesy – Wisden India

In January 2016, Ashutosh Singh turned up for Madhya Pradesh against Assam in the Syed Mustaq Ali game. After an impressive bowling performance, where he gave away only 12 runs in his three overs and picked up a wicket, he walked out to open MP’s chase.

However, a mix-up led to him being run out for only 8. Back then, little did the 22-year-old know that he would become the first Ranji Trophy centurion for Chhattisgarh.

Ashutosh's 140 on Day 2 of their game against Tripura at the Jharkhand State Cricket Association Ground in Ranchi, helped his side take a firm grip of their opening encounter. The debutant walked in with the team in a faltering situation at 6 for 2.

He began rebuilding the innings with Rishabh Tiwari and Mohammad Kaif. While Tiwari departed on the first day, Chhattisgarh lost both Kaif and Mandal in the first session on the 2nd Day. At lunch, Ashutosh walked in disappointed as his side lost a wicket more than they would have liked.

At tea, the right-hander’s score rose to 91. Soon after the game resumed following a rain interruption, Ashutosh lost three more partners - Shakeeb Ahmed, Sumit Ruikar and Pratik Sinha. As Chhattisgarh slipped to 212 for 9, a fear of Ashutosh missing out on his century surfaced. He eventually got to his ton, off 233 deliveries, with a flick to fine-leg.

A childhood dream was finally achieved. The debut Ranji ton was followed by an animated celebration.