Paras Dogra Hits Historic Milestone: Only 2nd Player to Play 150 Ranji Matches
Jammu and Kashmir skipper Paras Dogra makes history as the second player ever to play 150 Ranji Trophy matches. Read his incredible journey.
In a monumental achievement for Indian domestic cricket, Jammu and Kashmir skipper and veteran batter Paras Dogra has etched his name into the record books. During a Ranji Trophy encounter against Baroda at the Reliance Stadium in Vadodara on Monday, Dogra became only the second player in the history of the tournament to feature in 150 Ranji Trophy matches.
By reaching this incredible landmark, Dogra joins the legendary former India batter Wasim Jaffer in an elite and exclusive club, underscoring his remarkable longevity and consistency in the grueling red-ball circuit.
A Career Defined by Consistency
Since the mid-2000s, Paras Dogra has been a powerhouse of run-scoring in the domestic scene. While much of his work took place with lower-tier teams away from the national spotlight, his numbers spoke volumes about his skill and endurance.
One of the crowning jewels of his career came during the 2012-13 season while playing for Himachal Pradesh. In a stunning display of batting dominance, Dogra smashed five centuries in just eight matches, including a rare feat of scoring hundreds in three consecutive innings.
The Brush with the National Setup
His relentless scoring eventually caught the eye of the national selectors, leading to a call-up to the India A squad in 2013 for a series of unofficial Tests against West Indies A. However, the opportunity proved fleeting; Dogra featured in only one match and had a single chance to bat, where he was bowled by Nikita Miller for seven runs.
Despite the brief stint with India A, Dogra returned to the domestic circuit with renewed vigor. The 2015-16 season further cemented his legacy as a red-ball specialist. During this period, he recorded his sixth and seventh career double-centuries in back-to-back innings against Services and Tripura. He concluded that season with a staggering 703 runs, maintaining an average of 78.11.
The IPL Journey
Beyond the long format, Dogra also tasted success and exposure in the Indian Premier League (IPL), representing several franchises over the years:
- Rajasthan Royals: He was a regular in the 2010 season, appearing in nine matches with a top score of 41.
- Kings XI Punjab: He featured in three matches during the 2012 edition.
- Kolkata Knight Riders: He played one match for the franchise in 2013.
- Gujarat Lions: He was picked up in the 2016 IPL auction for his base price of Rs 10 lakh.
While the glitz of the IPL and the heights of the national team may have been elusive, Paras Dogra's journey is a testament to the grit and passion of the domestic cricketer. Joining Wasim Jaffer in the 150-match club is a fitting tribute to a player who has remained a pillar of strength for his teams for nearly two decades.