Ranji Trophy | From plans to mindset, Uday Saharan is ‘clear’ about his path

One outright win, three draws, 13 points and third place in the points table. The numbers tell only a part of Punjab’s Ranji Trophy campaign so far. But captain Uday Saharan isn’t one to dwell on what might have been, preferring to count the positives as the competition heads into a two-month break.

Consider its latest outing against Andhra. Staring down the barrel at 71 for five on day one, Punjab fought back to declare at 592 for nine. It was an incredible turnaround, even if the hosts couldn’t take the remaining wickets on the final day to secure a first-innings lead.

“When you are 71 for five, you hope and think anything around 200 or 250 would be good. But to score 592, that’s a big thing,” Uday told The Hindu. While admitting to disappointment at missing the lead, the skipper refused to throw his bowlers under the bus.

“It wasn’t turning, and it wasn’t seaming. So, I think it would be a bit harsh on the bowlers if I told them to go and take 20 wickets,” he said. With the Ranji season resuming only in January, Uday’s attention now turns to white-ball cricket.

For the 22-year-old, the two formats demand different ways of thinking. “In red ball, I am really clear about my plans. How do I operate? How do I go in? How do I set up my innings? In the white ball, it’s all about a clear mindset,” he said.

The shorter format has already opened another avenue for the youngster, who had attended IPL trials with Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals, Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad. “Yes, I have given [trials],” he said.

With the mini-auction approaching in December, the red ball may be taking a breather for now, but there is plenty to keep Uday occupied.