Vicky Ostwal Shines in Maharashtra’s Ranji Trophy Opener
On a sunny day at Palam in Delhi, the Maharashtra team cheered, shouting, “Come on, Vicky, come on, Vicky!” as left-arm spinner Vicky Ostwal took to the field against Railways in their Ranji Trophy season opener. Full of determination, Ostwal sought another chance to bowl, showcasing his passion for the game.
In the first innings, Ostwal played a vital role, delivering 24.2 overs and grabbing two wickets. He also contributed significantly with the bat, scoring a crucial 50 runs, which helped Maharashtra reach a total of 333 after Ankit Bawne’s impressive century. This gave the team a comfortable lead of 110 runs, easing the pressure on their bowlers on a pitch that was getting tougher to bat on.
During the second innings, Ostwal excelled, bowling for 28 overs and taking five wickets as Railways were dismissed for just 120 runs. This remarkable achievement marked his third five-wicket haul in Ranji Trophy matches, illustrating his importance to the Maharashtra squad.
At just 24 years old and still finding his feet in senior domestic cricket, Ostwal embraced the challenge. After the match, he expressed his joy at contributing to the team’s victory, saying, “I was really happy that I could contribute to the team’s win with both bat and ball.” He added, “An outright win in an away game, especially on a pitch like this, is a great start to the season.”
His performance was notable not only for the wickets he took but also for the vital 50 runs he scored. Over the past few years, Ostwal has worked hard on his batting, looking to be more than just a bowler who can chip in with a few runs. He reflected on his efforts, stating, “I’ve worked a lot on my batting over the past two or three years… getting a 50 in a crucial stage of the first innings was a great confidence booster.”
A Passion for Red-Ball Cricket
Ostwal has big dreams and sees himself as a “pure all-rounder,” citing his performance in various leagues as proof of his ability with the bat. However, when asked about his favorite format of cricket, he didn’t hesitate. “I think it is the best format, and that’s the format I love to play,” he said of red-ball cricket, emphasizing how it tests one’s character, patience, and skills.
Even after experiencing the high-energy atmosphere of the Indian Premier League and being around the national team, Ostwal remains grounded. He values the hard work and is committed to improving with each game.
His recent journey in cricket has been promising. Last season, he took 69 wickets in the CK Nayudu Trophy and made a significant breakthrough in the Ranji Trophy with 23 wickets in seven matches. Though he initially faced challenges moving from young talent to senior cricket, Ostwal is reaping the rewards of his perseverance.
Staying positive through the ups and downs of the game is important to him. When queried about disappointment from early dismissals or games where he didn’t take wickets, Ostwal urged a broader perspective. “If you execute your plans, then I don’t feel it’s a bad day. Probably it just wasn’t my day,” he mentioned.
Learning from the Best
Ostwal has had opportunities to learn from senior professionals, including a stint with the Delhi Capitals and the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL. Although he hasn’t made his debut yet, being around experienced players has taught him a lot.
Meeting cricket star Virat Kohli sparked initial nerves, but as they began discussing cricket, it turned into a valuable learning experience. Kohli’s rigorous work ethic made a lasting impression on Ostwal, emphasizing that consistent hard work leads to success.
He also took the chance to learn from Krunal Pandya about the tactical aspects of white-ball cricket, figuring out how to stay ahead of batters in fast-paced formats. These insights have shifted how he thinks about the game.
Despite the glamorous world of professional cricket surrounding him, Ostwal’s focus remains on his domestic career. “Firstly, domestic comes first, and my state comes first because Maharashtra has given me everything,” he stated firmly. “Winning the Ranji Trophy is my first goal. After that, winning the IPL and playing for the Indian team are the next steps.”
His parents played a crucial role in his journey, supporting him every step of the way. Growing up in Lonavala, Ostwal’s father took him to Pune daily for training, ensuring he had every opportunity to excel. “My parents have been extremely supportive. Without struggle, no one grows, and I deeply value the sacrifices my mom and dad made,” he expressed.
As Ostwal continues to make strides in his cricketing career, he remains focused on his goals. The five-wicket haul against Railways is just one highlight in what promises to be an exciting season ahead. For now, he is dedicated to honing his skills and proving just how far hard work can take him.
