Focus has been on converting starts into hundreds:  Yash Rathod

Yash Rathod has scored four centuries so far this season.
| Photo Credit: R.V. MOORTHY

Almost a year ago, Yash Rathod announced himself on the domestic scene, scoring his maiden First Class century (141) in the semifinals of the Ranji Trophy to help Vidarbha beat Madhya Pradesh.

As Rathod prepares for the semifinal clash against Mumbai starting Monday, he has become the lynchpin of Vidarbha’s batting line-up, leading the charts for the two-time champion (728) in only his second full season. The 24-year-old slammed a hat-trick of centuries in the second, third and fourth-round matches in the ongoing edition.

Last week, he completed his fourth ton of the season in the second innings against Tamil Nadu in the quarterfinals to bat out the opposition. Despite taking a 128-run lead, Vidarbha was in a spot when he walked into bat, and the left-hander ensured his side set a daunting target of 401.

While his century in the semis last year showed his tenacity, he has also failed to convert starts, which proved costly.

“I worked hard before the season on how to score hundreds. Last year, I missed out on the Duleep Trophy because I had just scored one century. I had three 50s but didn’t convert (them),” said Rathod after his side’s 198-run win over TN in the last-eight clash. “So this year, I wanted to make sure if I get set, then I need to make it big.”

Elaborating on his process, Rathod added, “I haven’t changed much technically. It is just about mindset. I now only think about the next ball and nothing else, talking to myself after every delivery.”

Rathod also credited the role of coach Usman Gani and skipper Akshay Wadkar for the great run he has had so far. “The coach and (former Indian pacer) Prashant (Vaidya) sir told me what needed to be done and how I was getting out last year, being loose outside the off-stump. So I worked hard in the off-season, batting three to four hours daily with purpose.”

“If you want to play at a high level, you must score consistently. I knew I would play all the games this year because skipper Akshay told me clearly that I would bat at five and what was needed from me,” he added.

His early red-ball form also helped him return to the limited-overs set-up, where he scored two List-A centuries in the Vijay Hazare Trophy as an opener in Vidarbha’s run to the final.

With an India ‘A’ tour of England later this year, a strong finish to the season could help his chances of being considered for that trip.

“I think I am on the right track and want to play for the country soon. So whatever I have done so far is now history. If I score in the semis and finals, it will help me grow and open doors,” said Rathod.