Ranji Trophy: Chinmay Sutar becomes second Indian cricketer to score a quadruple century in first-class cricket

Chinmay Sutar. Pic/Special Arrangement

Mumbai-based Mizoram batter Chinmay Sutar, 29, became only the second Indian cricketer to score a quadruple century in first-class cricket on Monday. Playing only his second Ranji Trophy match, Sutar remained unbeaten on 400 against Nagaland in their away Plate Group encounter at Sovima, helping Mizoram declare at 581-9. In reply, Nagaland reached 50-1 at stumps.

Maharashtra's Bhausaheb Nimbalkar was the first Indian batter to cross the 400-run mark, scoring an unbeaten 443 against Kathiawar in the 1948-49 season.

"It feels like a dream. I had never thought about scoring 400 in a Ranji game. It's huge for me because, after leaving Mumbai, when Mizoram gave me the opportunity to make my first-class debut in the previous match [vs Manipur], I was run out for 99. So, I somehow wanted make this match count," Sutar told mid-day over the phone from Sovima, on Monday.

Batting at No. 3, Sutar was unbeaten on 180 when stumps were drawn on Day One on Sunday, with Mizoram at 331-5. The next day, he was on 231 when last man Lalrempuia Chhakchhuak (14 not out) joined him at the crease, with the team's score at 392. The duo added 189 runs for the 10th wicket, with Chhakchhuak providing invaluable support as Sutar marched towards history. "Hats off to Lalrempuia. I never expected so much support. He gave his everything and even got hurt a few times by some of their bouncers. I ensured I faced most of the balls and let him play just one or two balls per over. Thanks to the tailenders, I was able to convert my 200 to 300 and then 300 to 400," Sutar said, adding that Nagaland have a decent bowling attack and the conditions were quite warm.

Sutar, the son of former Mumbai cricketer and selector Rajesh Sutar, represents Cricket Club of India in the city's club cricket scene. He also played a key role in helping MSC Maratha Royals defend their T20 Mumbai League title last June, scoring 212 runs in six matches. Last season, he represented Mumbai against Maharashtra in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Admitting that leaving Mumbai was a difficult decision, Sutar said: "It was always my dream to play Ranji Trophy for Mumbai. I thought a lot before leaving Mumbai, but now I feel it was a good decision," he added.