Ranji Trophy: Visualisation, affirmations and hard work helps late bloomer Avasthi find success

Mumbai fast bowler Mohit Avasthi has visualised him running through sides over the years. Visualisation gave him the belief that he would win games for Mumbai. In Thumba against Kerala, Avasthi made it count.

Mumbai were on the brink of conceding the first innings lead as Kerala were 221 for 5. Just 30 runs were needed for Kerala to nose ahead in the first innings.

Avasthi knocked over the lower order batsmen to finish with a career best 7 for 57. The last five wickets could add only 23 runs. He had also got rid of opener Krishna Prasad and No.3 Rohan Prem to be effective with the new ball. Mumbai regained control over the game and were 105 for no loss at stumps on Day 2.

🌟 Mohit Avasthi showcased exceptional bowling skills with a remarkable performance! 🙌🏻✨

An absolute masterclass of skill 🤩🔥

Score: 7/57 (15.2 Overs)#MCA #Mumbai #Cricket #IndianCricket #Wankhede #BCCI pic.twitter.com/mduOqFGQhl

— Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) (@MumbaiCricAssoc) January 20, 2024

Post the game, Avasthi spoke about the power of positive affirmations.

“Every day I wake up saying to myself today will be my day. In the Mumbai team we all believe that we can come back from any situation. So I just kept it simple and bowled a stump to stump line. Sometimes miracles happen,” Avasthi told The Indian Express.

Tall and well-built Avasthi is no spring chicken. At 31, he has had to bide this time. A Mumbai side packed with quality bowlers, an ACL injury were reasons why Avasthi, a promising junior, made his first class debut just two years ago.

“I was part of the Mumbai junior team ten years ago but Mumbai had good players, including India players. So I couldn’t find a place over the years. Post Covid, I got my first break. My journey has been one of struggles, but I am happy,” the fast bowler said

He was out of cricket for two years because of an ACL injury in 2015. It was a difficult time not just for Avasthi but for his family too. Avasthi’a father’s tours and travels business had hit a rough patch and was on the verge of being shut down.

But the family made a decision that Avasthi would continue to play cricket, while two of his brothers would work and put food on the table.

“When the injury happened, I didn’t know where my career would be headed. I had doubts whether I would be able to play with the same intensity or not. From 2015 to 2017… those years were gone. It looked like I would never be able to fulfil my dream of playing for Mumbai. I continued to play club cricket for PJ Hindu Gymkhana. I did well again a year before Covid-19 struck. So another year got wasted. Thankfully, I made it after Covid-19 and things are fine now,” he added.

A superb display of bowling prowess by Mohit Avasthi. 🙌🏻👏

His talent is evident for all to see! 🤩✨#MCA #Mumbai #Cricket #IndianCricket #Wankhede #BCCI pic.twitter.com/bsIRqSXXBD

— Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) (@MumbaiCricAssoc) January 15, 2024

This season has begun well for him. In the opening round of the Ranji Trophy against Bihar, he picked up six wickets in the first innings. In the second game at home against Andhra, he scored a crucial 53 and took two wickets in the second innings. His ability to move the ball in towards the batsman makes him a tough customer to handle and his height gives him the advantage of additional bounce. Avasthi is in the middle of a dream run and he hopes to get an India ‘A’ call soon.

“I’m happy with the way things have gone so far and now I’m hoping for a place for India A side. My chance came late but god has been kind to me and he is rewarding me for my hard work. There is still a long way to go,” he said.

Brief Scores: Mumbai 251 & 105 for no loss (Jay Bista 59 batting, Bhupen Lalwani 41 batting) vs Kerala 244 all out (Sachin Baby 65, Sanju Samson 38; Mohit Avasthi 7 for 57).

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