New Delhi: A ‘Tejrana’ from Delhi plying his trade for Goa in the
Ranji Trophy seems bizarre.
"I am not playing as a professional for Goa. I am a local," Abhinav Tejrana clarifies in a freewheeling chat with TimesofIndia.com from Porvorim.
The 24-year-old top-order batter has set the Ranji Trophy on fire. Batting at No. 3 for Goa, the Delhi-born cricketer has amassed 651 runs in eight innings, including a double century on his first-class debut against Chandigarh. He has also smashed two centuries against Punjab and Saurashtra, and not to forget his match-saving unbeaten 73 against Karnataka.
Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Abhinav, who has played U-19 cricket for Delhi, was given the cold shoulder by the Delhi & District Cricket Association (DDCA) selectors. The thought of quitting the game initially crossed Abhinav's mind in 2021, but his father Anil Kumar, a Delhi Government employee, put his arm around his son's shoulder and said: "There's always a smile on your face whenever you pick up a bat. Never lose that, keep believing."
Tejrana vividly recollects the advice he received from his father, and in 2022, he decided to move to Goa to take care of a "guest house"—a property his father had invested in years ago—and also in a quest to find a second home.
"Actually, I wasn't playing for 2–3 years in Delhi. I last played in under-19. And then for 2 years, I didn't play for DDCA. So I decided to shift. I had some business in Goa and residence here, so it kind of made my decision easier," shares Abhinav.
"I started playing the local tournaments and leagues in Goa. From there onwards, I started giving trials for the Goa Cricket Association (GCA). Then I played under-23 last season and was also in the Ranji Trophy camp. This year, finally, I made my Ranji Trophy debut," he says.
Abhinav found his second home in Goa, but it came at an emotional cost.
"I am playing as a local here. My father works in the Delhi government, so he is based in New Delhi. My sisters and most of my family live in Delhi. My mother decided to stay with me," says an emotional Abhinav.
"I had a lot of people to support me. My family always believed in me, encouraged me to keep going. They always believed in my potential.
"In the initial days in Goa, many local people also backed me. So I kept going on. It is always tough to work hard when you don't know whether it is going to happen or not. But it is important to keep going and have that faith," he says.
I have always felt at home here in Goa, and most of the credit goes to the GCA. They have helped me a lot
The faith definitely worked wonders for Tejrana as he not only found a home in Goa but his exploits have also helped Goa punch above their weight.
"I have always felt at home here in Goa, and most of the credit goes to the GCA. They have helped me a lot. Chetan Desai sir, Vinod Phadke sir, who are the chiefs in Goa, the secretary Tulsidas (Shetye) sir and President Mahesh Desai sir, they have all backed me. And when I wasn't getting the opportunities, Vipul Phadke sir also encouraged me in my low times. Head coach Milap Mewada—how can I forget his name. I really want to thank all of them," Tejrana shows his gratitude.
No. 3 in first-class cricket is probably the most crucial number to bat at, and the southpaw eased into the role seamlessly.
"Actually, in red-ball cricket, the top 3 batters are mostly openers. In white-ball cricket, I don't know yet where I would bat. But I think growing up, I have played in most of the numbers. It's not like I have always opened. I have experience of playing in the middle order as well," he says.
Talking about the season, the youngster, who will turn 25 in a month's time, rates his double hundred on Ranji debut as very special.
"I think the first one was important because it gave us a good score on the board. And we were 3 down for 115. Then me and Lalit (Yadav) bhai had a 309-run partnership. That was very important for the team to have 7 points in the first game.
"And after that, I think against Karnataka in Shimoga, they were going for the outright win. So we had to play in tough conditions. The ball was doing a lot. So to play those 46 overs out was helpful for the team. So those two were, I would say, helpful for the team to get some points," he says.
Reflecting on the grind he went through after moving to Goa, he believes it made him a tough cookie.
"I think it made me more of a complete player. I am still in the process, as there is a lot to learn. But I think having this experience of playing these matches was a bit new to me. But gradually playing in the Goa Premier League Division gave me a lot of experience. And the setup that the association has is really nice," he says.
"We have a red-ball camp for 2–3 weeks, and I got to prepare very well for the red ball. So I didn't face any issues because I have been playing red-ball cricket for the last 3 months now. That helped me a lot," he adds.
Goa is not known for cricket; it has a rich history in football. But Abhinav feels things are changing.
"Currently the pool of cricketers in Goa is not that big. But I think the way the leagues are conducted, they are far better. Because I have never played a three-day match in the Delhi leagues. There are no days matches there. So the type of tournament that they conduct here in Goa, I think, is much better. The structure of leagues and trials and camps—I think they have a structure that is more player-friendly. And surely you will see more young guys at under-19 level coming through the ranks because they have such a structure that is bound to improve players and produce quality players," he says.
Abhinav's eyes are set on the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, and he wants to continue playing cricket with a smile on his face, as he promised his father a couple of years ago.
"I think I have always played cricket to enjoy. That is the most important thing. And that's what my father says to me. And that is my goal ultimately—to enjoy when I am playing on the field. I don't think that much about the runs, the performances. I have a game plan which I follow, and even if I get out executing my plans, I don't mind it," he says.
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