In a unique twist to standard cricket protocol, Services captain Rajat Paliwal achieved his 21st first-class century while remaining unaware of his exact score due to a personal superstition. The 34-year-old batter requested that his name not be displayed on the scoreboard at the Air Force Complex Ground in New Delhi, a request honored by chief ground staff member Ravikant, who has managed the venue for 35 years. This decision meant Paliwal could not track his progress toward the milestone in real-time, relying instead on instinct and the flow of the game to guide his innings.
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Paliwal’s 111 not off 196 balls proved decisive for Services, who had started the day in crisis at 27 for three. His resilient knock stabilized the innings and propelled the team to a solid 266 on the opening day of their Ranji Trophy Group C clash against Delhi. The veteran batter’s ability to anchor the side under pressure highlights his continued value to the Services squad, turning a precarious start into a competitive position. His performance underscores the importance of experienced leadership in domestic cricket, particularly during high-stakes group stage encounters.
The moment Paliwal realized he had crossed the century mark came not from the scoreboard, but from the tactical shift in Delhi’s fielding. He noticed the opposing fielders closing in around him, a standard response to a batter approaching a significant milestone. “I got to know that I was getting closer to a century when I saw more fielders around me,” Paliwal revealed. This anecdote adds a human element to the statistical achievement, illustrating how even seasoned professionals can be caught off guard by the nuances of the game when traditional indicators are removed.
Source: Yahoo Sports
