Himachal Pradesh batsman Nikhil Gangta cracked a scintillating century to put India Blue in a commanding position in the Duleep Trophy 2018 final against India Red on Wednesday (5 September).
The 26-year-old Gangta smashed a brilliant knock of 241-ball 130, hitting six sixes and seven fours to help India Blue to post a massive total of 541 in the first innings against India Red in the final at the NPR College Ground Dindigul, Tamil Nadu.
He stitched a 153-run seventh wicket stand with bowling all-rounder Swapnil Singh (69) as well as added another 70-run partnership for the eight wicket with Saurabh Kumar (36). With his knock, Gangta hogged the limelight and revealed the secreat behind his fantastic knock,
As per reports in Sport Star Live, Gangta revealed, “I love music. I listen to music. I love singing. Whenever I am at the non-striker’s end, I sing songs to keep myself composed.”
It was Teacher’s Day when he smacked a ton in the Duleep trophy final and it was a perfect gift to give his coach Vikram Rathour. He also credited Rathour for changing his approach and instilling self-belief in him.
He further added, “I dedicate this century to my coach, Vikram Rathour sir. He was the one who changed my approach. He instilled self-belief in me and made me believe that I can score runs and play for the country some day.”
He further added, “My plans are clear. All I have to do is score runs and I am sure to be noticed. Rathore sir has a vision for me and showed it to me. He has enriched me with numerous examples and I am sure to hit the stride in playing for the country very soon,”
Gangta is sounding confident about India Blue’s chances against Red, who are currently trailing by 492 runs with 8 wickets remaining in the first innings. He signed off by saying, “The spinners will come into play from day three. We have some good spinners in our team and we are sure to wrap up their (India Red) innings by Thursday. We have to bowl in the right areas and with some assistance from the pitch, we are sure to have a complete stronghold on this match.”
