Shubham Ranjane's dynamic presence on the cricket field is immediately apparent. His every step exudes a unique energy, a swagger born from unwavering self-assurance. He never hesitates to showcase his talent, whether with the bat, the ball, or his relentless fielding. Ranjane is a force to be reckoned with, his eagerness to dominate every moment making him a compelling player to watch.
Shubham Ranjane's explosive innings of 70 off 45 balls secured a crucial victory for the Texas Super Kings.
This same infectious energy resonated within the Mumbai dressing room during his time in India, leaving a lasting impression on his teammates. So much so that, five years after his departure, his impact is still remembered by those who shared that space with him.
India's T20I captain, Suryakumar Yadav, recently took to Instagram to celebrate Ranjane's impressive innings of 70 off 45 balls in the MLC. Yadav fondly recalled his former teammate's "X factor" in a nostalgic post, suggesting that this is just the beginning of Ranjane's journey to bigger achievements.
"Even if I play gully cricket it is all intense. Whichever game I play, it is all about giving 200%. Whatever the situation, I should be there and get my team to win. I want the ball to come to me. Even when I bowl, I want that breakthrough. It's all about that game changing attitude. Whatever the situation, if you need two sixes, I want to be the one to finish it. Not risking it to leave it for someone else," Ranjane told Cricbuzz.
This drive to seize the moment has always defined him. Back in 2019, during a Times Shield game at the DY Patil stadium, Ranjane showcased his resilience. After playing during the day, he stayed back to trial for Rajasthan Royals in the evening. Tasked with chasing 60 runs in pairs alongside Shimron Hetmyer against bowlers like Oshane Thomas and Keemo Paul, Ranjane dominated, scoring 52 of the required runs and securing victory with four balls to spare. It was this same spark, this "X-factor," that triggered Suryakumar's nostalgic reflection.
While Ranjane has rediscovered his form with the TSK, he faced a setback earlier when the Seattle Orcas released him just before the domestic draft. This decision, while bold, proved to be a blessing in disguise. The TSK quickly recognized Ranjane's potential, making him their number one pick in the draft for $80,000. This is a significant boost for a cricketer in America, providing financial stability beyond the Major and Minor League seasons.
"The preparations began quickly after the draft day. I was given a lot of clarity from day one on what my role was going to be. I never once got an impression I'd be a passenger on the squad. I was always made to feel like an integral part of the unit. They gave me confidence and things started falling into place. The coaches were always in touch. The feedback mechanism was in place for every session. It gave me immense confidence," Ranjane stated.
Having established himself as a dominant force in domestic cricket, with MVP performances in tournaments like the USPL, Ranjane harbors ambitions of representing the national team. He aims to fill the void of a batting all-rounder with seam-up abilities, a skillset that the USA team currently lacks. While his slower deliveries and clean ball-striking may not be fully utilized in the MLC, they could prove invaluable for the USA team in the subcontinental conditions of the upcoming T20 World Cup. And, of course, there's that "X factor" that Suryakumar Yadav holds in such high regard.
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