After being Gujarat’s leading run-getter for two successive seasons in the Ranji Trophy, Priyank Panchal has followed it up with being the top-scorer of the tournament at the end of the league phasse in the ongoing season. With 1037 runs from seven matches, he has been instrumental in the team qualifying for the quarter-finals.
“Yes! It is one of the best seasons that I’ve had as I have scored over 1000 runs,” the Gujarat batsman said.
“For the last two seasons, I have been the highest run-getter for Gujarat. For the first 20 odd matches, I struggled a bit, but then I realised that I must score big runs. Also as a senior, I have to take on the responsibility. (Earlier) I was doing alright; scoring 60s, 70s and scored hundreds as well last season, but everyone scores a hundred and I wanted to do something more… score 200, 300 runs. So, I would practice accordingly. My mindset would also be like that (playing big knocks). (I understood) that I have to score big because those are the knocks that matter in the current scenario,” he said while reflecting on his form in the ongoing season.
Speaking about his preparation ahead of the season, Panchal said, “I know my technique is good enough for me to survive. During practice, I try and simulate match situations so that I am prepared for different scenarios in a match. I imagine various situations and field settings (and practice). I did that throughout the year, so when I went into the game, things were easier for me because I (felt) I had already done all that. For e.g. the bowlers pelting me with bouncers for four-five overs. Or that the bowlers will bowl a negative line so what to do then? Or what to do when the bowlers are having a good spell. Having worked on anticipating different things during practice is helping me now,” he elaborated.
Discussing his methods, he further mentioned, “We work on different things in the GCA camps, but I work by myself as well. I analyse my game - what I have done and what do I need to do next. I decide by myself what I need. The GCA supports me and gives me all the help I need like coaches and nets etc. The mental aspect is the main thing and I only will have to work it. While there are people who tell me (help me and guide what to do), it is up to me to implement and do what is needed for me. I know my game, where I am lacking, what are my strong areas. I do the analysis myself.
“I watch my videos and make notes of what I am doing wrong or right. Off the field, I keep studying so that is working for me,” he added.
However, while doing so Panchal finds that the inputs from his teammates are most helpful. “I ask (talk and discuss) select people like my teammates who have known me for years. You also learn a lot from watching and observing a good player - like what would be his mindset at the time. I keep analyzing all that.”
Reflecting on the season and his crucial contributions he said, “The first century (101 against Railways) gave me confidence. Scoring runs on the wicket in Lahli gave me a boost. It was a difficult wicket and to score on a difficult wicket (meant a lot). 17 wickets had fallen on the first day and then to go out and bat on the second day. It is obviously there at the back of your mind and (you think) whether you will be able to do it or not. I was trying to keep my approach and attitude at its best – ‘I will get the runs.’ I got a 100. And I knew that if I get a century then the team will also have a good total. As a team, it was very important for us to win a match at that juncture in the tournament.
“At that time in the game, the team required me to stay at the wicket because I was the set batsman. On wickets like these, a set batsmen is the one who can score the runs compared to others. So, that was a confidence booster for me,” he explained.
“Then the 200 (232) against Mumbai was an innings of patience. The wicket had low bounce so I had to play accordingly. Also, wickets were falling at the other end so it was my responsibility to keep the innings afloat. It was important that I give my team a total to bowl at. I kept telling myself five overs more and then five more overs (which helped me build the innings).”
The double-ton was followed up with a triple against Punjab which strengthened the team’s position in the points table. “While scoring the triple hundred (314*) it was about maintaining my confidence level. I had faced it before (where) I have scored a hundred and then another hundred and then got out playing a bad shot. So, I was trying to play as long as I can and while doing that the 300 came up with ease. I also had the confidence of scoring a double-ton in the previous game.
“Scoring 300 is an amazing feeling for a batsman. I have done it at the school level and in local matches. Before this season, I had told myself that I have to do it at this level as well,” he stated.
To play marathon knocks which helped Gujarat garner useful points and qualify for the knock-outs, requires a good fitness levels as well. “My preparation starts two days prior to the game. The diet, nutrition, gym session and all of that. During the two-day break between games, I have my gym session and my running session as well. What I eat is very important. In the off season, I followed a gluten free diet after consulting a dietician. It helped my energy levels and I continue to follow that. I have always been conscious of these things. I know it will improve my game.”
The young Gujarat batsman has been diligently working on his game to fulfill his father’s dream. “My father played cricket at the university level and always encouraged me. When I was 10 years old, I was sent to play cricket. There was no pressure to study. I was allowed to enjoy my cricket. He felt that playing a sport is the best thing for me. I have got cricket from my dad. He is my inspiration.
“It was his dream that I play for India; hopefully I can do it. That eggs me on. When I am stuck in a situation, I think and imagine what he would say and that pushes me to fulfill his dream,” Panchal said.
His contributions have been vital to Gujarat qualifying for the quarter-finals, an opportunity they missed by very narrow margins in the last two seasons. Asked about the qualifications and his role, Panchal said, “Everyone has been contributing. As for me, it was that I was in form so I should contribute the most I can. Last year, I was scoring a century and getting out even as wickets were falling at other end and it was affecting the team total as well. Learning from that, I had told myself that I have to play the long innings and contribute to the team as much as I can and that kept egging me on.”
He also mentioned that skipper Parthiv Patel too has been encouraging him. “He has always backed the youngsters, spoken about how to build the innings. He is an inspiration. It is an inspiring thing for us that he is back in the India team, and playing and scoring runs for the national team. He has been consistent in domestic cricket.”
As they head into the quarter-finals, Gujarat have their sights set on the coveted trophy. “For the last two seasons, we were almost there (but did not qualify). Since the time we started practice this season, our goal has been to become champions. So, everyone has that in their mind. The talk is not about playing in the quarter-final, but it is about becoming champions and it is a big thing for us. The quarter-final is a step (forward). We have to become champions,” Panchal concluded.
