Mumbai's Hardik Tamore overcomes bad patch, smashes unbeaten 205 against Delhi

Hardik Tamore

Hardik Tamore's unbeaten 205 (12x4, 5x6) helped Mumbai amass a mammoth 619-7 declared on Day Two of their All India Buchi Babu Invitation Cricket Tournament match against Delhi at Salem, Tamil Nadu on Wednesday.

Resuming at their overnight score of 328-5 with Tamore and Tanush Kotian playing on 56 and 29 respectively, Mumbai started to build well.

Kotian got out for 73, while No. 8 Atharva Ankolekar scored 84.

Tamore was determined to carry on even after reaching the three-figure mark. "I decided to concentrate more and stay unbeaten till the last ball of the innings. [Wednesday]. I am delighted that I could contribute to the team's plan. I think this double century is just the start. I want to play many more such innings this season," Tamore told mid-day from Salem.

Also Read: Head coach Omkar Salvi upbeat over Buchi Babu-headed Mumbai

Tamore, 25, has scored two centuries in 11 first-class games so far. "I did not have a good season last year [36 runs in four Ranji games in 2022-23].

But I knew that I was focusing on my process and working really hard. Our support staff and selectors trusted my abilities and gave me this opportunity. [Head coach] Omkar Salvi sir told me to play with a free mind and express myself, which helped me a lot," Tamore revealed.

The wicketkeeper-batsman has spared no effort in getting back among the runs. He remarked: "Apart from batting and 'keeping, I focused a lot on my fitness and diet. I followed a protein diet. I didn't need to reduce my weight [74kg], but I now feel light and fresh after knocking off three kilos," he remarked.

In reply, Delhi lost opener Anuj Rawat (11) and one-drop Salil Malhotra (15). The men from the Capital were 47-2 at stumps on Day Two of their four-day opening fixture.