Ranji Trophy: I badly needed this century, says Surya Kumar Yadav

Surya Kumar Yadav was a relieved man after the former Mumbai captain scored his second century of the season as hosts dominated the proceedings against Gujarat on Day One of the Ranji Trophy Group B tie

Surya Kumar Yadav was a relieved man after the former Mumbai captain scored his second century of the season as hosts dominated the proceedings against Gujarat on Day One of the Ranji Trophy Group B tie at the Wankhede Stadium yesterday. Put into bat, Mumbai posted 370-2, thanks to centuries from Yadav, who was unbeaten on 103 and opener Akhil Herwadkar, who was batting on 143.


Surya Kumar Yadav celebrates his century against Gujarat yesterday. Pic/Shadab Khan

"I wasn't getting runs and it wasn't good for my team. From the team's point of view everyone is contributing and chipping in with runs and I badly needed this knock as it is the last league game, home game and there is a long break for the knockouts. So, it's good it came at the right time
before the one-dayers," said Yadav.

After Mumbai lost Jay Bista for 44 and in-form Shreyas Iyer for 75, Herwadkar and Yadav took the Gujarat bowlers that included the likes of RP Singh, Axar Patel and Ramesh Powar to the cleaners. Herwadkar played sensibly, punishing the loose balls. His well-timed cover drives were a delight to watch during his 376-minute stay at the wicket yesterday. He also played a key role in building two vital partnerships, first with Iyer (75) — 100 runs for second wicket and then with Yadav — 196 runs for the third wicket unbeaten partnership.

Brief scores
Mumbai: 370-2 (A Herwadkar 143 n o, S Yadav 103 n o) vs Gujarat

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