In the current scenario of Indian domestic cricket, consistency is the key to survival. Rising to the demanding fitness levels and the growing competition through the years, a consistent Sunil Joshi has been the long standing member of the Karnataka Ranji Trophy team for 19 seasons now.
On the second day against Haryana at Rohtak, Joshi picked up his 450 th Ranji Trophy wicket last week to cross a new milestone in the elite tourney. “It’s a great feeling for me and it just keeps me going. Prior to the start of the season, I didn’t even think about it and also I don’t think about the records. This is my 19th season and I’m enjoying my cricket,” said the veteran left-arm spinner.
Though Karnataka conceded the first innings lead to a not-so-formidable Haryana, Joshi had the double delight of completing a rare all-rounder’s double in domestic cricket. The veteran left-hander completed 4,000 runs in Ranji during the course of his half-century in the second innings.
Apart from Ranji Trophy, Joshi keeps himself match-fit playing minor county cricket in England and a few other tournaments for Karnataka. “I’ve been playing in England for the last eight years in the Lancashire, Liverpool and few other leagues. After every season or a tourney, I take a break for a week. Later, I start my workouts and maintain my fitness. This has kept me going,” explained the 40-year-old.
As a teenager, the Gadag-born Joshi broke into the side during the 1992-93 season. “I had to break into the squad which had three good spinners—Raghuram Bhat, S. Prakash and K. Jeshwanth in the team. I had to work hard to make my way into the team. Nowadays there are youngsters, who do not match the standards and lack commitment to the game,” said Joshi.
For Joshi, age is just a number and the seasoned spinner still has the hunger to perform after a career spanning close to two decades.
“I still have the hunger to perform and give my best in the field. This is what I don’t see in the upcoming cricketers. If I see any good spinner with the talent and the quality to replace me in the side, I will hang up my boots myself,” he concluded. Whether Joshi is denying a youngster a place in the squad is open for debate but the veteran, probably in his last season, will not be found wanting for lack of motivation.