Bundela content with competing with himself

Amol Karhadkar in Mumbai

Jan 7, 2015, 05:22 PM

'Knock came at the right time' - Ojha

While Wriddhiman Saha played his first match as India's first-choice wicketkeeper in Tests in Sydney, Naman Ojha - Saha's back-up for the opening Test in the series - was featuring in a Ranji Trophy game against the most successful domestic outfit.

Ojha kept himself in the hunt for an India cap with a big century against Mumbai. His 155 came just after MS Dhoni announced his retirement from Tests. Ojha has had a stupendous first-class season, scoring three centuries, including a double century, for India A in Australia and following it up with a double ton in the Duleep Trophy.

"As I am in contention after MS' retirement, this knock came at the right time," Ojha said. "It was important for me to be patient all through the first session. I am glad I could do that along with Bundela and ensure us the lead."

MP captain Devendra Bundela hoped Ojha would get a Test cap. "He has been performing exceptionally well. I hope he is rewarded for it," he said.

More than 10 years ago, Devendra Bundela's knock of 139 in the second innings at the Wankhede Stadium had helped MP "beat" - as per the lingo of domestic cricket - Mumbai on the basis of first-innings lead.

Cut to Wednesday, and Bundela yet again scored a century at the same ground to ensure MP return to Indore with at least three points with the first-innings lead. The importance of both the knocks was similar, but the situations were completely different.

Back in 2004, Bundela as a 27-year-old was at the peak of form and was trying hardest to realise his dream of earning the India cap. Both the teams were formidable outfits, with a blend of experience and youth. Even the Wankhede Stadium isn't the same, having gone through an overhaul ahead of the 2011 World Cup.

In 2014-15, Mumbai and MP both are developing units, with Bundela, Naman Ojha and Wilkin Mota being the only survivors from the 2004-05 clash. Bundela, now in his late thirties, has been the only constant. He was as solid on Wednesday as he was a decade ago. His ability to wear the opposition bowling attacks out hasn't receded a wee bit.

It has been a while since Bundela gave up on his India dream. Still, he hasn't lost his hunger for runs. He admitted that he has started employing new methods to motivate himself.

"You have to compete with yourself. I have realised that by challenging myself, I can get the best out of me and contribute to MP cricket as a result," Bundela said after scoring his 23rd Ranji and 25th first-class century.

His second century of the season elevated Bundela to fifth position in the leading run-scorers list in the history of Ranji Trophy. He came into the match as the eighth-highest, but overtook Shitanshu Kotak (7607), Pankaj Dharmani (7621) and Amarjeet Kaypee (7623) during his innings of 115. With 7673 Ranji runs currently, he now trails Wasim Jaffer (9756), Amol Muzumdar (9202), Hrishikesh Kanitkar (8059) and Mithun Manhas (7758).

Bundela was delighted when told about his accomplishment and hoped to continue working towards "improving" his game. Having amassed 393 runs so far this season, if Bundela continues in the same vein, he could well help MP end the season on a respectable note and join the elite 8000 Ranji runs club.