Ranji Trophy 2023-24: Vishnu Vinod dazzles on his comeback

Soon after lunch on the second day of the Kerala-Uttar Pradesh Ranji Trophy match on the SD College floor, the host suffered its all-too-familiar top-order collapse and was tottering at 32 for 3. The Uttar Pradesh spinners Kuldeep Yadav and Saurabh Kumar have been bowling in fantastic rhythm and giving nightmares to Kerala batters. Kuldeep had simply breached the defences of Kerala’s most achieved batter Rohan Prem, and was teasing Sachin Baby together with his guile when Vishnu Vinod walked in.

The scenario warranted an prolonged interval of warning from the batter, particularly if he was somebody who was taking part in his first-class match in almost two years. But Vishnu had different concepts. After sizing up the pitch, Vishnu with a flurry of intuition photographs put the hammer down on Uttar Pradesh spinners. Saurabh was hoisted for 3 sixes and 4 in an over and hit out of the assault. He strode down the pitch to select off Kudleep and in addition performed the within shot with élan towards the leg spinner. An assault of cramps slowed him down, and he acquired out taking part in the reverse stroke towards Kuldeep.

READ | Ranji Trophy 2023-24: Uttar Pradesh baggage three factors towards Kerala as Priyam Garg hits ton on last day

But Vishnu, who made 74, had made a powerful assertion on his return to First Class cricket. “I had belief in my capability and wasn’t intimidated by the status of the bowlers. The plan was to hit something which was in my vary. Of course, I needed to improvise too, once they challenged me by bowling a bit huge. It was an excellent knock below strain, however I used to be a bit disenchanted for not getting 100. I had a reasonably good season with the white ball and was certain that I’d be picked for the Ranji group. I wish to thank KCA for having religion in my capability and giving me an opportunity once more. I ready effectively with my coach Biju George, and was prepared for the problem, ‘‘ he said.

After his breakthrough innings of 193 not out against Madhya Pradesh in the 2018 season, Vishnu Vinod played many breathtaking innings for Kerala in white ball cricket.

Vishnu has in spades what some batters lack: courage. Now, he is looking to be more consistent. “I know I need to play more such knocks, and I am working hard on it. But I don’t suppose I’ll change my batting fashion as I believe my greatest power is aggression,’‘ he mentioned.