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Shubham Pundir's Historic Ranji Final Ton: 'Opportunities Don't Come Again'

Shubham Pundir created history by becoming the first Jammu and Kashmir batter to score a century in a Ranji Trophy Final. He emphasized the rarity of such opportunities and his goal was simply to bat for as long as possible. Pundir revealed his strategy was to play close to his body and focus on leaving balls outside off stump. His innings of 121, which included a 139-run partnership, ended on the second day.

Key Points: Shubham Pundir Scores Historic Ranji Trophy Final Century

  • First J&K player to score Ranji final century
  • Batting strategy focused on playing straight
  • Forged 139-run partnership with Yawer Hassan
  • Learned from past dismissal in the 90s
2 min read

Ranji Trophy Final: 'Opportunities like this don't come again,' says Pundir after century against Karnataka

Jammu & Kashmir's Shubham Pundir becomes first from his team to score a Ranji Trophy Final century, sharing his strategy and mindset.

"Opportunities like this don't come again and again. - Shubham Pundir"

Hubli, Feb 25

Jammu and Kashmir batter Shubham Pundir revealed that his goal was to make the best use of the opportunity and bat as long as possible after he scored a historic century against Karnataka in the Ranji Trophy Final at the Hubli Cricket Ground.

Pundir etched his name in the history books as he became the first Jammu and Kashmir player to hit a century in the Ranji Trophy Final. He completed his hundred off 186 deliveries and also forged a 139-run partnership with opener Yawer Hassan, who scored 88 runs.

"Right now, to be honest, it hasn't fully sunk in. But it's a special moment. I never thought I would score a century in a final like this. Opportunities like this don't come again and again. My only aim was to enjoy the moment and bat for as long as possible. That was my target; to stay at the crease as long as I could," Pundir said in a video released by the BCCI Domestic on Wednesday.

The Jammu and Kashmir's star also explained the reason behind changing his gears after 90 and completing the hundred with a six. "There was no pressure, there's actually a story behind it. When I played U-19, I got out on 96, I had played out 4-5 maidens, and I got out on 96 so my thinking since then has been to get to a century as soon as possible when you are in the 90s," he explained.

Pundir also spoke about his strategy which helped him tackle the early seam movement available to Karnataka's experienced bowlers.

"My only thought was to play as close to my body as possible, especially leaving balls outside off stump. That was the plan, to play straight as much as I could. I think I hit a straight drive early on, which gave me confidence. So the focus was to keep playing straight and stay disciplined," he said.

Pundir got out at the start of the second day as he was trapped by Vidyadhar Patil and was caught at mid-wicket. He scored 121 runs and hammered 12 fours and two sixes during his stay at the crease.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Sarah B
As a cricket fan living in India for the past 5 years, I love seeing stories like this. The Ranji Trophy is such a crucial platform. His story about getting out on 96 in U-19 and learning from it shows great mental strength. That's what separates good players from great ones.
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Vikram M
Brilliant innings under pressure! Scoring a century against Karnataka's bowling attack in a final is no joke. His technique of playing close to the body and leaving balls outside off is textbook stuff. Selectors should definitely take note. We need such gritty players in the domestic circuit.
R
Rohit P
While the century is praiseworthy, I hope the team management works on his conversion rate. Getting a start is one thing, but in a final, a set batter getting out at 121 on the second morning might have cost the team a bigger total. Still, a historic moment for J&K!
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Priya S
So proud! 🙌 This is more than just cricket. It's about representation and putting your region on the map. His humility is touching - "it hasn't fully sunk in". Wishing him many more centuries and hopefully an India cap one day. Jai Hind!
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Michael C
The partnership with Yawer Hassan (139 runs) was probably the key. In finals, building partnerships is everything. Great to see such detailed technical analysis from the player himself about tackling seam movement. The domestic structure in India seems to be producing some very smart cricketers.

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