Glad where life has taken me in 13 years of first-class cricket, says Abhinav Mukund

“To be honest, every season has been a challenge. From 17 years old you're just playing cricket, then by 21-22 you're thinking how you're probably going to be playing for your country. And you think why you're not playing for the country. I think that's a journey in itself. And I'm glad I've been aware of my journey - where life has taken me in this 13th year as a first-class cricketer,” Mukund told ESPNCricinfo.

“It has been a natural progression. Getting to 100 Ranji games or 10,000 first-class runs - I still haven't got to 10,000 yet - is something that does not happen overnight and it has taken a while. I hadn't imagined that this would happen when I played my first game. It's actually a good feeling,” he said. 

“Yes, it has given a different perspective. When you're playing, you think only about winning the game. Here, you are looking at both teams objectively and trying to figure out what they're doing to outwit each other. I've always felt it has given me an edge because I'm passionate about the game and even sitting at home I've called games with my parents or my wife,” he said.

“Winning the Ranji Trophy: it's important that everyone has that goal in mind. If we can move on and make the knockouts, probably winning is the goal. I'm sure these are good lessons for that,” Mukund added.