Digvijay's heroics go in vain

PUNE: Experience is essential but there are times when raw spirit has the upper-hand. Digvijay Deshmukh, making his first-class debut, almost proved that with an extraordinary knock for Maharashtra against Jammu and Kashmir in a Ranji Trophy match Group C match at the Gahunje stadium here on Friday.
However, despite the No. 8 batsman's effort of 83 (7x4s, 5x6s) in 71 balls, the visitors won the match by 54 runs on the fourth and last day.
Digvijay had not even played a multi-day match for Maharashtra even in age group cricket before this.The 21-year-old bowling all-rounder's Maharashtra debut came as late as last season when he played Under-23 limited overs cricket.
Resuming at 192-5, Maharashtra needed 172 more runs to win. Ankit Bawne, who was hosts' last hope of winning the match, was removed on the 16th ball of the day by paceman Umar Nazir (4-86), who picked nine wickets in the match.
Deccan Gymkhana's Digvijay, picked by Mumbai Indians for a base price of Rs 20 lakh, also had figures of 4-46 in the second innings, making it a highly memorable week.
Digvijay started his knock with a boundary, cutting a short ball. The start looked like a tailender's bravado which generally ends after a couple of boundaries. However, Digvijay followed it with three extravagant fours in the cover region.
"I was ready to go to any limit. I did not know I would be playing Ranji trophy so soon in my career. It was a dream and I did not want to give it away," said the Pune lad.
As Digvijay was getting in his stride, Satyajeet Bachhav (12) lost his wicket to left-arm spinner Abid Mushtaq after an inside edge went on to his stumps.
Digvijay's didn't show any signs of slowing down though. In the next over, he slogged pacer Ram Dayal for a big six over mid-wicket. No. 9 Anupam Sanklecha followed suit, slamming two fours and a six.
The duo had a quick partnership of 29 runs before Sanklecha sliced Mohammed Mudhasir's (4-84) full-length delivery to Nazir at short third-man. Unfazed, Digvijay continued his rampage with a six and a four in the bowler's next over.
He was beginning to look more confident now. For the long time in his career, Digvijay played as a batsmen, except for his childhood days as a wicket-keeper. Even his team-mates were probably surprised to see his level of maturity and skills. Digvijay kept the strike and completed his fifty with a six and brought them 74 runs closer to the target. He then held a 48-run partnership with Mukesh Choudhary with the latter just adding two runs.
Eventually, it was the second new ball that helped J&K get rid of Digivijay's spirited knock. He shrugged his shoulder and stood on the pitch with despair. For the rest, it was a brave effort but in his head it was a mission failed.
"I thought it was my moment to prove it to everyone," said Digvijay.
The result puts J&K fourth in the table with a perfect record in two matches while Maharashtra are eighth in a 10-team pool with two losses.
'Did not see this coming'
Asked about his plans for the coming years, Digvijay said: "I have not really got any time to think about it. I didn't see this coming (laughs)."
After his U-23 Maharashtra debut in February this year, the youngster was noticed by the selectors. After decent performances in the club tournaments for Deccan Gymkhana, he was called up to play for the senior team in the Syed Mushtaq Ali trophy T20.
The lad who studied in Damle Prashala was picked by Mumbai Indians. "When I heard the news, I was shocked for two minutes. I took four wickets yesterday and got an IPL contract," said Digvijay.
He wouldn't want 2019 to end just yet. And he will have a chance to end it on a strong note when Maharashtra face Chhattisgarh from December 25 in Pune. The all-rounder will surely be the first on the team sheet.