Ranji Trophy | Abhishek makes it count in Kerala colours

Unlike most cricketers, Abhishek P. Nair could never represent his State in age-group cricket until he made his senior debut. In just his second Ranji Trophy innings, he made a fine 126 against Jharkhand at the Keenan Stadium here on Tuesday.

His first innings was as a concussion substitute at Thiruvananthapuram last year against Saurashtra. He came into reckoning after scoring a 52-ball 108 in the Presidents Cup T20 tournament last year.

“Though I represented the district (Thiruvananthapuram) and also played for the zone in junior levels, I could never get selected in the Kerala team,” said Abhishek.

“Because of my father’s transfer, I had played for a few years in Karnataka and I had once made it to their under-19 squad, but could not play in the XI.”

Abhishek can stroke the ball nicely, but he also showed the technique and temperament required for the longer format. “I have worked on that with coach Biju George,” said the left-handed opener. “I was determined to play a long innings and I am glad that I could do it in this match.”

He said it was a good wicket to bat on. “But the spinners have been getting some help now, and batting isn’t as easy as the first two days,” he said. “It was indeed a good toss won by Jharkhand. But we are hopeful of batting well on the last day.”