Swapnil gets over forgettable outing with a ton

Leaving all his disappointment behind, Gugale slammed 174, his maiden first-class hundred against a star studded Delhi side. His innings enabled Maharashtra post 312 for 6 on day one of Ranji Trophy game. On the pitch which gave an illusion of assistance to pacers for perhaps an hour at the most, Delhi’s Sumit Narwal had managed to get opener Harshad Khadilwale, caught by Unmukt Chand at second slip. For the rest of the day there was no movement or zip off the track but Delhi tried to capitalize on any errors of judgement. Like this time when Rohit Motwani was run out courtesy a smart move by wicket-keeper Rahul Yadav. Even as the fielders were appealing for a lbw decision off Rajat Bhatia’s bowling, Motwani tried to take single but ball had popped nearby Yadav, who quickly turned back and manage to get direct hit.

Maharashtra’s middle-order once again became the victim of wrong shot selections. They tried to pace their innings but their tactics failed. Delhi soon managed to get Ankit Bawane, Rahul Tripathi and Kedar Jadhav and Maharashtra was soon on the back-foot with 166 for 5 on board.

Natural game

The fall of wicket didn’t bother Gugale, though, as he kept on playing his natural game. He later admitted that there was nothing in the pitch except the first hour. He fearlessly drove, he even pulled and charged Delhi spinners Manan Sharma and Varun Sood for sixes over long-on. He reached his maiden hundred with a cover drive off Narwal. Gugale added 106 runs with Chirag Khurana for the sixth wicket to rescue Maharashtra after the middle-order collapse.

He frequently targeted young-left arm spinner Sharma. He used his feet nicely, often moving back for deft late cuts amidst the charges down the track. Sharma finished with 18-2-92-1 but had his moment under the sun, when he got Gugale caught at cover by Mithun Manhas. Gugale’s knock was studded with 23 fours and two sixes.The disappointing days are over for time being and Gugale remembered the days when he waited for that one call.

“All of my friends went on to play at higher level except me. I scored hundred in under 17 which rewarded me a place in under 22 side. But I didn’t realize that my life will keep revolving around under 22 and under 25 age group cricket. It was a disappointing period not to get chance. I’m happy that things have finally happened,” Gugale says.

Brief scores: Maharashtra: 312 for 6 (Gugale 174, Khurana 55*) v Delhi.