Andhra Pradesh and Bengal played a draw in their opening encounter of Ranji Trophy 2023-24. Andhra's wicketkeeper-batter Ricky Bhui was the top-scorer with a 175-run knock. After the match, Bhui revealed that the team has a rule of not celebrating personal milestones starting this season. Also, when he reached his 15th First-Class ton, no one clapped and he did not even know when he crossed 150.
“Vihari, as a leader, he only said there are no personal milestones. Whatever it is, it’s a team milestone. When I reached my hundred, no one clapped. It was mandatory that whatever is there, we have to chase it down,” the 27-year-old told Sportstar.
Bhui reached his 150 with a boundary and took his team helmet off. However, it was not to celebrate his 150 but for crossing Bengal's first innings score of 409.
“People usually get satisfied after reaching a milestone. No one should be satisfied until we are winning the game,” he said.
While clapping for personal milestones is prohibited as per the new in-house rule, the players can start a synchronised clapping sequence anywhere. Also, the whole squad is present in the dressing room together when the batters are in the middle and motivate their players by clapping.
“[With] these small things we have made sure that the team has to be together. We are so determined to cross the line this time,” he further added.
Earlier, for Manoj Tiwary-led Bengal, Anustup Majumdar scored 125 and wicketkeeper-batter Abhishek Porel scored 70. Bengal posted 509 on the board after Tiwary won the toss and opted to bowl first.
While Bhui was adjudged ‘Player of the match’ for his 175-run knock which featured 23 fours and a six, Vihari contributed to Andhra’s score of 445 with a half-century.
Andhra will now take on Mumbai starting January 12 at Wankhede Stadium.
Last year, Bhui also earned an Indian Premier League (IPL) contract as he was roped in by Delhi Capitals (DC) for his base price of Rs 20 lakh. Bhui hopes to perform well as it could open doors for an international debut.
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