Photo via India Today

The call that mattered most after Chinmay Sutar's historic 400 in Ranji Trophy

Mizoram batsman Chinmay Sutar etched his name into Ranji Trophy history by becoming only the second Indian player to score an unbeaten quadruple century, finishing on 400 runs off 517 balls against Nagaland. His monumental innings included 46 fours and seven sixes as his team declared at 581 for nine, a testament to his resilience and technique.

Yet for Sutar, the most meaningful moment of the day came after the final ball, when he made his first call to his father, Rajesh, who had been a steadfast source of support through years of missed opportunities in his home state of Maharashtra. The 29-year-old had earlier played limited-overs cricket for Mumbai but struggled to secure first-class opportunities, ultimately relocating to Mizoram to pursue his red-ball ambitions.

His father, who had played seven first-class matches for Mumbai himself, urged him to persevere despite setbacks, advice that proved pivotal as Sutar turned his perseverance into a historic milestone. The emotional connection underscored how personal milestones often hinge on the unwavering belief of those closest to an athlete’s journey.

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