Ranji Trophy 2023-24: Happy to contribute for the staff, says Chattisgarh’s Eknath Kerkar

Wicketkeeper batter Eknath Kerkar has been a cricket nomad for the previous couple of seasons. The diminutive cricketer learnt his craft in Mumbai and even made his first-class debut for the previous Ranji champion within the 2018 season. But his profession hit a roadblock after he was starved of alternatives which compelled him to attempt his luck elsewhere.

An opportunity to signify Goa got here after the Covid-19 pandemic and he jumped on the alternative with each palms.

“I made a decent start to my first-class career. I made an unbeaten fifty on my debut for Mumbai. But as you know, the competition for places is tough in Mumbai, and I didn’t get many chances to prove myself. I thought it was better to seek opportunities in other States,” stated Kerkar, who was the participant of the match within the Kerala-Chhattisgarh Ranji Trophy match.

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“I acquired a chance to signify Goa, and I performed as an expert for 3 seasons there, and I did effectively. But down the road, I wished to problem myself, and it was then I acquired an opportunity to signify Chhattisgarh. I used to be impressed with the imaginative and prescient of the State Association, and it was a younger staff, and I believed as a senior cricketer I may contribute extra. The dressing room ambiance is nice, and children look as much as you. This is the kind of staff, which I at all times wished to be a part of,’’ added Kerkar

On his century, which thwarted Kerala, Eknath stated the plan was to occupy the crease and play because the state of affairs demanded.

Eknath grafted early and wore down the Kerala bowlers. As the bowlers erred, he punished them along with his broad repertoire of strokes. “It was an excellent knock underneath strain. I at all times thought I had the sport to excel at this degree. I focused on my strengths, and it got here out good, ‘’ stated Kerkar who has been scoring constantly for Chhattisgarh this season.

“We are bettering as a staff, however we nonetheless have a little bit of catching as much as do. We consider within the course of, and outcomes will comply with,’’ he stated.