Some innings are remembered for the runs they produce, while others become milestones that define a cricketer’s career. Chinmay Sutar’s unbeaten 400 for Mizoram against Nagaland in the Ranji Trophy belongs to the latter category, as the Mumbai-born batter transformed a remarkable opportunity into a piece of Indian domestic cricket history.
Walking into the contest with only one first-class appearance behind him, Sutar had already offered a glimpse of his potential. He scored 35 in the first innings of his debut against Manipur before agonisingly falling one run short of a century in the second, finishing on 99. Against Nagaland, however, there would be no such heartbreak.
Chinmay Sutar didn’t have 400 in Mind
Instead, Sutar kept going long after reaching three figures, then 200, and eventually 300. With every milestone, his innings grew in significance. He remained at the crease for 517 deliveries, striking 46 boundaries and seven sixes, displaying the concentration and endurance required to convert a big score into something extraordinary.
“I wasn’t really thinking about scoring 400 runs or setting any personal targets. My only focus was to contribute as much as I could to the team and help the team in whatever way possible. I just wanted to keep batting, focus on my game and make valuable contributions. I’m really grateful that I was able to score that many runs,” Chinmay says to this publication in an exclusive chat after his batting heroics.
Red Ball was his Dream, and Mizoram kept on Calling
From a cricketing lineage, Chinmay has always had cricket in his veins. His father played for Mumbai, while his uncle and grandfather also played cricket at a high level. Chinmay, who hails from Chinchani village in Palghar district, was inspired by them and took up a cricket bat.
At the age of 12, he moved to Thane and has gone upto the ranks through Mumbai’s age-level system. The 29-year-old also played for Mumbai last season in a Vijay Hazare Trophy match against Maharashtra, but he always had red-ball cricket in his mind, and then Mizoram came calling.
“I wanted to play red-ball cricket, but I wasn’t getting enough opportunities in Mumbai. Then I got an opportunity with Mizoram, where I was called for a trial. It was a difficult decision for me to make, but I decided to take that chance. Looking back, I’m really glad I took that opportunity because it gave me the chance to play the kind of cricket I wanted to.”
“I have played red-ball cricket at age level for Mumbai. But my dream was to play in Ranji for Mumbai, and Mizoram has made my dream come true. A cricketer always has setbacks, but my family has supported me a lot. My father, my mother have always motivated me, and the Mizoram opportunity came for me.”
When he crossed 400, Sutar had entered an exclusive club in Indian cricket. His unbeaten 400 made him only the second batter in Ranji Trophy history to reach the landmark, behind Bhausaheb Nimbalkar, whose 443 not out for Maharashtra against Kathiawar in 1948 remains the competition’s highest individual score. And after creating history, Chinmay called his father first.
“I called him first. He is really proud of me, both my parents, and I am thankful I could make them happy.”
Mizoram and Northeast Cricketers are Hardworking
As per his experience with Mizoram, Chinmay believes cricket is growing in the Northeast as a whole, and Mizoram will be at the forefront of it.
“The atmosphere and positivity within the team are fantastic. The boys in Mizoram are very eager to play cricket, and they are very hardworking. I feel that cricket in the state is growing, and the players are making a genuine effort to improve. However, I believe they probably don’t get the exposure they deserve. Hopefully, that will change in the future, and they will get more opportunities.”