RANJI TROPHY | Jadeja’s advice was to take calculated risks, says Harvik

Harvik Desai falls short of century twice in Ranji Trophy matches, showcasing resilience and partnership with Ravindra Jadeja.

In Harvik Desai’s previous Ranji Trophy outing in November, he was out for 99 in Saurashtra’s first-innings total of 531 for nine against Chandigarh. Against Delhi here on Thursday, the opening batter succumbed to the nervous 90s again, dismissed seven runs short of a century in tough conditions.

Until he was caught by Rishabh Pant off part-time spinner Arpit Rana in the final over of day one, however, he had done exceedingly well to thwart the Delhi spinners on a pitch aiding turn.

“The pitch was difficult to bat on. It was turning quite a lot, which was expected because we need a result in our favour,” Desai said on Thursday. “It is quite disappointing to get out in the 90s again. But it is all part of the game. I put the team in a good situation.”

The fourth-wicket stand between Desai and Ravindra Jadeja, worth 76 runs in 11.5 overs, could prove to be the difference between victory and defeat if wickets continue to tumble on the second day. The 25-year-old was appreciative of Jadeja’s inputs during the partnership.

“Jadeja told me to take calculated risks. He said that playing sweeps and reverse sweeps would involve fewer risks than going down the ground with the ball spinning, and that the rewards will be the same. So, that helped me a lot in making the runs that I did,” he remarked.

A slice of luck came in handy along the way. Having had his stumps disturbed off a no-ball by Sumit Mathur when he was on 26, Desai made the visiting team pay for the error.

“My mindset was similar after the reprieve too. I wanted to play positively because to keep defending and get out on such a surface is of no use. Adding as many runs as possible was crucial,” he said.