The visiting teams often request special practice help from the host nation. This time, the Netherlands made a unique request for a left-handed batter ahead of their match against India in Ahmedabad.
The team reached out to the Gujarat Cricket Association on Monday because they currently lack a left-hand batter. They are set to face an Indian team that may have up to six left-handers in their top eight. Players like Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Tilak Varma, Shivam Dube, Rinku Singh, and Axar Patel are all left-handers. To prepare effectively, the Dutch side sought this practice opportunity.
Finding a left-handed batter was challenging. With the Gujarat domestic season over and the Ranji Trophy already concluded, it was difficult to locate a player on short notice. The association then reached out to Gujarat captain Manan Hingrajia.
A Quick Call and a Big Opportunity
Hingrajia, 27, was practicing at the Gujarat College ground when he received the call asking him to arrive at Narendra Modi Stadium by 6 pm, though he was initially unaware of the reason.
After finishing his practice, he navigated traffic to reach the stadium on time. There, he was introduced to the Netherlands team and their head coach, Ryan Cook. Soon, he was invited to bat against the Netherlands bowlers, who had just wrapped up their fitness routines.
He received clear instructions: to bat freely and play all his shots. The bowlers used both new and old balls, and Hingrajia started aggressively from the first ball, hitting powerful shots that soared into the empty stands under the bright lights. Security was stationed around the ground to retrieve the balls.
Two Hours Under the Lights
The practice session lasted two hours without interruptions. For Hingrajia, it was an unforgettable experience to bat in Narendra Modi Stadium during the T20 World Cup—a day he hadn’t expected.
For the Netherlands, it was valuable practice before facing India’s strong lineup. For Hingrajia, it was a chance to go up against International competition.
Sometimes, a single phone call can turn an ordinary day into an extraordinary one.
