Ranji Trophy 2024: Jharkhand’s Virat Singh controlling the controllables after India A, IPL snub

Virat Singh has emerged as Jharkhand cricket’s go-to man when the going gets tough. Positioned at the crucial No. 4 slot, he consistently finds himself at the crease rescuing his team from precarious situations. Despite his stellar performances, the southpaw has faced setbacks, notably being overlooked for India ‘A’ selection and snubbed in the IPL 2024 auction.

In the recent clash against Services, Jharkhand found themselves reeling at 8 for 3, further slipping to 65 for 4. However, Virat remained resolute and crafted a magnificent 108 embellished with 15 boundaries. His efforts steered Jharkhand to a commendable total of 316 runs. This was not a solitary display of his ability; since the cricketing activities resumed post the Covid-19 hiatus, he has notched up eight centuries in 17 first-class encounters, often single-handedly rescuing his team from dire straits. 

“Mere hath mein sirf perform karna hai and I’m focusing on doing that [I have only my performance to show at my disposal, that’s what I am doing]. Yes, I’m a bit disappointed. I was expecting a call-up for India ‘A’ that was picked recently. But no worries. I can just perform and that’s the only controllable I have,” Virat said as quoted by News18.

“When there would be a vacancy and when the selectors would feel like picking me, the call-up will come. So, what’s gone is gone now. We have our matches left in Ranji season and need to perform in that. Hopefully, they will make India ‘A’ team in future and I’m aiming for that,” he added.

Virat Singh shares his experience of meeting MS Dhoni

During the 2016-17 Vijay Hazare Trophy, MS Dhoni had lauded the technique and fitness of then 20-year-old while playing for Jharkhand. Virat, now emphasising fitness and training, showcases his regimen on social media through gym and ground workout videos. Reflecting on his time with Dhoni, he remarked on the valuable experience gained from the cricketing legend. 

“We do have conversations with him as and when he is free. We were playing Vijay Hazare (in 2016-17) and during that period he talked to me about my technique and fitness. I wasn’t having the greatest of run then but his words motivated me. Of course, when it comes from the captain of the Indian team (Dhoni was leading Team India then) you get inspired to work hard and I continued that,” he added.