Ranji Trophy 2024-25: Shubham Sharma unlocks best version of himself after altering batting technique

For a batter, there is nothing more sacrosanct than his batting technique. It is an output of a life-long process and the bedrock of all their success.

Batters are also often hesitant to tinker with their technique, fearing it could disturb the foundation of their trade.

In 2024, Madhya Pradesh skipper Shubham Sharma chose to take the leap as he decided to alter his batting technique. With the benefit of hindsight, that proved to be a career-altering choice as he began piling up runs like never before.

During the Ranji Trophy Elite Group C match against Kerala, for the first time in his career, Shubham breached the 700-run mark in the competition for the season.

“I have made some changes in my technique, such as a new backlift and a redesigned grip. Since last year, our coach [Chandrakant Pandit] has insisted that I make those changes,” said Shubham after the Kerala game.

Over the off-season last year, Shubham put in the extra yard to integrate the new tweaks into his batting style. This included countless net sessions, match simulation exercises and practice games, spread across the months ahead before the ongoing Ranji season began.

The 31-year-old had set his mind on going through with the changes, irrespective of the outcome of the practice games.

“We were regularly monitoring my batting. We had decided that we would stick with the new style even if I got out cheaply in those games. After many such sessions, I finally fell at ease with the new technique,” added Shubham.

Armed with a rejigged approach, Shubham feels he has unlocked the best version of himself.

“I think I am getting to my peak. But I feel I should have been at this level a little earlier. Now I have a sense that as a batter, mentally and technically, I am close to being at my best,” says Shubham.

The Madhya Pradesh skipper though isn’t satisfied with the 700-run mark he has crossed, which has put him second in the run-getters list for the season, behind Hyderabad’s Tanmay Agarwal.

“I have always dreamt of getting a 1000-run season in the Ranji Trophy. Now I have crossed 700 for the first time in my career and I feel I am in the right direction. I really want to end the season with at least 800 runs.”

Also read | Kerala has played its best cricket against all teams this Ranji Trophy season, says captain Sachin Baby

Against Kerala, Shubham tallied fifties in both innings as Madhya Pradesh played out an engrossing draw with Kerala. On a Greenfield pitch which aided seamers for most of the game, the right-handed batter targeted the straight V, as evidenced by the fact that seven of his 10 fours across both essays came in the region.

“The ball was seaming early on and it is always risky to play squarish when the ball moves. So the safest thing was to play under your eyes and straight. I just didn’t want to play away from my body and I feel the plan worked,” says Shubham.

Just like any other in-form batter, Shubham too wasn’t ready to be satisfied with his work.

“I feel I should have batted a bit longer in the first innings. As I had managed to settle in properly, I should have scored at least a hundred,” he adds.

It has been two years since Shubham took over as Madhya Pradesh’s captain. He believes the mantle of leadership has propped up his batting performance.

“My batting has improved with captaincy because now I am interacting with the coach more and that has in turn helped improve my game sense.

Before every game, once I have taken a look at the pitch and understood its nature, I will have a chat with the coach explaining my ideas on how I am going to bat. And then he offers some inputs which help me compile my plan,” said Shubham.