On the last ball of the first day’s play between Gujarat and Kerala in the Ranji Trophy semifinal in Ahmedabad, the visitor’s stubbornness seemed to have hit a stumbling block when Mohammed Azharuddeen was given out lbw on the field.
The ‘keeper-batter needed the help of the Decision Review System to overturn the on-field decision and remain not out on 30 going into the second day. As soon as Azharuddeen exited the premises of the field, he was planted onto a chair by Kerala head coach Amay Khurasiya, who had a passionate discussion with him, acting out a few shots with his hands while giving out some advice.
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Azharuddeen went on to bat through the second day for his team, playing over 300 deliveries to remain unbeaten on 149. It was the 30-year-old’s second First-Class century and it came on the big stage as his team aims to secure a maiden final appearance.
“The coach was telling me about a couple of technical aspects which I have been working with him through the season. He provided some clarity on how I should go about it. I believe getting regular input from the coaches helps me improve my game,” Azharuddeen after the second day’s play.
Azharuddeen has been one among the many Kerala batters who have found a new lease of life under Khurasiya. The former India international has transformed the team’s batting, helping the team reach its first semifinal since 2018-19.
“Be it me or any other batter, we have followed the coach’s advice while batting this tournament and that has helped us reach new heights,” the wicketkeeper mentioned.
Mohammed Azharuddeen (L) during a practice session ahead of the semifinal against Gujarat.
| Photo Credit:
VIJAY SONEJI/The Hindu
Mohammed Azharuddeen (L) during a practice session ahead of the semifinal against Gujarat.
| Photo Credit:
VIJAY SONEJI/The Hindu
“His philosophy involves batting out time rather than trying to hit 400 runs on a single day and this will also drain down the opponents mentally, having to field almost 220-230 overs,” he added.
Through the two days, Khurasiya has cut an animated figure, regularly shouting out instructions to the batters in the middle or passing on notes during the drinks break.
“The coach is very involved in the game. He is coming on the back of international experience and understands each of our journeys. He sends the right messages at the right time,” the ‘keeper said.
“Whenever he feels like we are rushing due to our instinct, he passes on individual messages and since they are on a piece of paper, the picture stays in our memory for longer,” he explained.
Azharuddeen sports the name ‘Azhar Jr.’ on his jersey as an ode to the former India captain he was named after. While the former Hyderabad star was known for his langour, the Kerala batter had made his name in domestic cricket with a swashbuckling 37-ball century in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in 2021.
But he has curbed his natural game this season, cutting down his strike rate and boundary percentage from the previous seasons, enjoying a far more productive campaign. After a switch to the middle order, the former Royal Challengers Bengaluru batter has scored 573 runs (at the end of day two) at an average of 71.62.
“After looking at the skills and limitations of each player, the coach suggested I bat at six because the position required some running between the wickets and some attacking play,” he said.
“We have to adapt according to the team situation. Sometimes, because of the instinct, we end up playing an attacking shot, but it is important to block the ball and also attack when necessary,” he said.
Azharuddeen and Salman Nizar have been Kerala’s batting lynchpins this season, aggregating 580 partnership runs together for the team in eight innings, the third-highest tally in the competition.
“I have been playing with Salman for almost 11 years now. I have a great understanding with him in terms, especially in terms of running between the wickets. When I play with him, I don’t have to even call sometimes, just a look will do,” he explained.
“We have to adapt according to the team situation. Sometimes, because of the instinct, we end up playing an attacking shot, but it is important to block the ball and also attack when necessary.”Mohammed Azharuddeen
Despite missing out on red-ball selection for three years, Azharuddeen says he never contemplated transforming himself into a white-ball specialist.
“Those who turn themselves into white-ball players are generally those who play the Indian Premier League and have established themselves at the top. There are only three major tournaments I can represent Kerala in so it makes no sense to skip a format,” he said.
“We have some skill and instinct. Keeping hold of that leads you to success and I believe I have the batting and ‘keeping skills to play all three formats. The focus is on bringing in more consistency while playing for the state,” he added.