Day after Sachin Tendulkar scaled to the 17,000-run mountain in one day Internationals, his schoolmate and former Mumbai teammate Amol Muzumdar achieved a different peak.
The 34-year-old batsman became the highest aggregate scorer in Ranji Trophy with 7640 runs, surpassing the previous record-holder Amarjeet Kaypee’s 7623 in India’s premier domestic tournament while turning out for Assam against Rajasthan in Guwahati.
“I am at loss for words. It is a great to be there and it’s a special feat. My phone has been ringing constantly and I am getting congratulatory messages from everywhere,” Amol said after the fourth day’s play.
He felt that a win on his debut as Assam captain (against Rajasthan) could have been an icing on the cake. “It was a very close match we were almost there. A win could have been great on this occasion,” said Amol, who scored 22 in the first innings and 25 in the second.
The stylish batsman said he was anxious just before reaching the magic figure. “It has been in waiting for the past 5-6 months even my wife asked me when I would reach. It kept playing on my mind,” he said.
“I wish I could have done something like this at the highest level but now I have come to terms with it and only look forward to enjoy the game,” said Amol, who never made it to the national squad.
As far as Mumbai teammates are concerned, Amol said “I got a call from Wasim (Jaffer)
and he congratulated me. It was nice to hear from him. I thank all my colleagues and Mumbai players who have supported me on this occasion,” he added.
On Sachin’s new world record, Amol said “Sachin has been phenomenal. I would like to wish him for his feat.” He is also 395 runs short of 10000 runs in first class matches and is looking forward to it. “I did know about that but I will take it step by step and not hurry things,” he signed off.
Comments
