New Delhi: Jharkhand batsman Saurabh Tiwary witnessed a very awkward situation in the ongoing Vijay Hazare Trophy recently. Despite hitting a brilliant ton, the big-hitting left-hander was booed by the local crowd as the fans could not see India's former skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni's batting.
Chasing a stiff 277, Jharkhand did not require services of their captain 'cool' as Saurabh (102 not out off 103 balls; 3x4, 6x6) and Ishank Jaggi (116 not out off 92 balls; 10x4, 4x6) put together an unbeaten 214-run partnership to guide their team to an easy win with 22 balls to spare.
While the fans had gathered in big numbers to watch some fireworks from Dhoni, the formidable partnership for the fourth wicket ensured that Jharkhand did not need his services.
Having realised that they may not be able to see Dhoni bat, spectators started chanting 'Saurabh Tiwary Hai Hai' as the left-hander approached his century.
Tiwary however took it in a positive spirit and said: "We must understand that they're emotional as Mahi bhai never played here...Being a professional I did not mind. We were subjected to much more sledging on the field."
He may not have played a role with the bat but Dhoni's tips during the drinks break played a big role in their win, Jaggi later revealed.
"Mahi bhai advised us to play in a calm and composed manner. He told us, 'If you play with patience runs will come. It's about staying there and finishing the game'," Jaggi said.
The lefthander Tiwary added: "We played without any pressure well aware of the fact that MS comes next."
Jharkhand had a shaky build-up and were reduced to 65/3 inside 17 overs but poor fielding from Services let the duo build on a firm stand. Yet to open his account, Tiwary was dropped at mid-off by Shakti Malviya off Poonam Poonia, while Jaggi got a reprieve on 25.
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