Ayush Doseja's Meteoric Rise: From Ranji Debutant to Delhi's Stand-in Captain
In what can only be described as a fairytale season, 23-year-old Delhi batter Ayush Doseja is scripting an extraordinary chapter in his cricketing career. Playing his maiden Ranji Trophy campaign, Doseja has emerged as the tournament's leading run-scorer with a staggering 790 runs from just six matches, boasting an impressive average of 98.75.
A Season of Personal Triumph Amid Team Struggles
While Delhi's Ranji Trophy campaign has been disappointing with the team remaining winless after six matches and eliminated from knockout contention, Doseja's batting has been a consistent silver lining. His remarkable tally includes:
- Three centuries
- Five half-centuries
- A career-best score of 209 against Hyderabad in Hyderabad
The young batter's journey took an unexpected turn on Wednesday when he learned he would be Delhi's stand-in captain for their final league match against Mumbai at the Mumbai Cricket Association's ground in BKC, beginning Thursday.
Virat Kohli's Mentorship: A Dream Come True
Beyond his on-field exploits, Doseja recently experienced what many young cricketers dream about - meaningful interaction with modern cricket legend Virat Kohli. During the Vijay Hazare Trophy, when Kohli was part of the Delhi dressing room, Doseja received invaluable advice from his childhood idol.
"Virat sir has been my idol since childhood. I follow his diet and fitness regime extensively," Doseja revealed to reporters at BKC. "He emphasized that if you cannot give 200% effort on the ground, there is no point in playing. I now approach every game with this mindset."
Although he didn't get to bat alongside Kohli, the young batter considers the mentorship experience transformative for his approach to the game.
Overcoming Adversity: From Injury Setback to Captaincy
Doseja's debut was delayed by a year due to an ankle injury he suffered just before what would have been his First-Class debut. "I twisted my ankle last year before my scheduled debut," he recalled. "For the next two-three months, I focused intensely on rehabilitation and red-ball preparation. That dedication has paid off this season."
Remarkably unfazed by the sudden responsibility of captaining Delhi against a heavyweight team like Mumbai, Doseja expressed confidence in his new role. "I have previously played against Mumbai at the Under-23 level, but this is my first senior-level encounter with them," he noted. "I believe in destiny, and God has given me this opportunity which I intend to seize fully."
Embracing the Challenge Against Mumbai
Despite Delhi's elimination from knockout contention, Doseja emphasized that the team remains motivated for their clash against Mumbai. "We approach this with a nothing-to-lose attitude because there's everything to gain," he asserted. "Every Ranji match represents a significant opportunity, especially against a team of Mumbai's caliber. This live match will be watched across India, and all our players are positive about gaining valuable experience."
The young captain has already begun implementing his leadership approach, having spoken with teammates who he says are "all positive for tomorrow's match." He plans to focus on his batting strengths while guiding the team as a cohesive unit against their formidable opponents.
Doseja's journey from injury setback to record-breaking debut season and now unexpected captaincy represents one of the most compelling narratives in this Ranji Trophy edition, proving that sometimes individual brilliance can shine brightest even when team fortunes falter.
