India’s under-19 World Cup-winning captain, Yash Dhull, is having a dream time. After being bagged for 50 lakh by the Delhi Capitals in the IPL 2022 mega-auction at the weekend, Dhull, on Thursday, compiled a brilliant century on his Ranji Trophy debut for Delhi against Tamil Nadu at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati.
Tamil Nadu skipper Vijay Shankar won the toss and elected to bowl first on a chilly morning in Guwahati. His ace seamer Sandeep Warrier vindicated the move by dismissing Delhi opener Dhruv Shorey for 1 and handed a first-ball duck to Himmat Singh.
Dhull watched this from the non-striker’s end and was joined in by senior batter Nitish Rana. The early fall of wickets didn’t deter Dhull’s boldness as he took on the Tamil Nadu bowlers head-on – in particular, Sandeep Warrier driving and flicking him. However, he lost the support of Rana who got out for 25.
Dhull then joined hands with another youngster – 24-year-old Jonty Sidhu. The pair forged a partnership of 119 runs during which Dhull brought up his century soon after lunch. He was brilliant in tackling the pacers in helpful conditions, taking runs on both sides of the pitch. He showed single-mindedness when attacking left-arm spinner R Sai Kishore and was on back foot while pulling him strongly.
Dhull drove with awed elegance and played expansive leg-side hits. With this century on his first-class debut, Dhull has joined an elite list of Indian players to have registered a century on Ranji Trophy debut, which comprises Sachin Tendulkar, Amol Mujumdar, Rohit Sharma among several other legends.
Also, with this ton from the right-hander, four of India’s last five Under-19 captains – Vijay Zol, Prithvi Shaw, Priyam Garg, Yash Dhull – have brought up a century on their First-Class debut.
Hundred on Ranji debut
Superb start to 2022 for Yash Dhull#RanjiTrophy #ranjitrophy2022 pic.twitter.com/uUQYYLItrA
— Rohit Sankar (@imRohit_SN) February 17, 2022
Hundred on Ranji debutThe aggressive knock from Dhull was ended by M Mohammed for 113 off 150 balls. Delhi finished the day on the score of 291/7.
