'I’m keeping my mother’s dream alive' - Sanketh reacts after Hyderabad call up for Ranji Trophy 2024

Young cricketer Elligaram Sanketh exclaimed joyfully after he earned a call-up from Hyderabad for the first time for the Ranji Trophy, India's premier domestic first-class cricket championship. He got a call from Hyderabad after playing for the team in age-group cricket, where he made his T20 debut in November 2021, and played his first List A game in the following year.

The left-arm bowler's journey as a cricketer is highly emotional, as he lost his mother when he was nine. She had a wish to see him as a cricketer, and the 24-year-old stated that he has been keeping his “mum’s dream alive” since she passed.

“I started cricket when I was 12 and represented Hyderabad in all age groups (U14, U16, U19, U23) and now I’m a part of the Ranji team as well,” Sanketh was quoted as saying by News18.

“(Talking about how cricket happened to him) It’s an emotional story. My mom was in her hospital bed when I was 9, and she wanted to see me as a cricketer. That was her last wish, actually. She was battling cancer. So, I’m keeping my mum’s dream alive,” an emotional Sanketh continued.

I wasn’t really expecting a call-up for the Ranji Trophy: Sanketh

Furthermore, Elligaram Sanketh stated that 2023 was a breakthrough year for him as he made his List A debut. He has claimed 12 wickets in 7 games while averaging 24.00 so far. However, he sustained an ankle injury and remained out of action for some time. Besides, Sanketh also added that the Ranji Trophy call-up was something he did not anticipate. 

“I made my List A debut last season. That was a breakthrough year for me. I picked a lot of wickets in the Vijay Hazare Trophy and right after the tournament, I suffered an ankle injury. So, I missed out on playing the Deodhar Trophy and all. I was out of cricket for a year and I came back this year. I then returned to bowling right before the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. So, now I’m getting back into the groove. I wasn’t really expecting a call-up for the Ranji Trophy but I’m grateful that I’m a part of the squad for the Ranji Trophy,” Sanketh concluded.