Ayush Doseja Scores Highest Run Total of Season, Falls Short of Century

Delhi's Ayush Doseja finally broke his duck on Tuesday, scoring his highest run total of the season but unfortunately falling short of a century in the process.

The southpaw had endured a frustrating start to the 2026-27 domestic season, struggling to convert promising starts into substantial scores across both the Duleep Trophy and Ranji Trophy.

Doseja's biggest challenge this season has not been a loss of form but rather converting opportunities into significant scores. He emphasized that he did not let outside pressure affect him, despite the scrutiny following his impressive 949-run season last year.

In the early stages of the current season, Doseja had consistently started well, only to see his innings come to an abrupt end through unfortunate dismissals, including a run-out.

His long-awaited big score came at a cost, as he was dismissed for 78 after being trapped down the leg side.

Doseja reflected on his batting performance against Bengal, acknowledging that he was playing well despite getting out down the leg side.

Delhi's score at the end of Day 2 stood at 299 for six, in response to Services' first innings total of 266.

He expressed frustration over his previous dismissals, which had been largely due to unfortunate circumstances rather than poor batting.

Doseja's approach today was one of caution and patience, with a clear focus on avoiding unnecessary risks and trusting the game plan that had worked for him in the past.

His decision to adopt a more defensive mindset paid off, as he contributed significantly to Delhi's recovery from a challenging position.

The pressure to perform is palpable for Delhi's Ayush Doseja, but he doesn't see it that way. According to him, being part of the team is a privilege in itself, and he doesn't feel overwhelmed by expectations.

Doseja believes his struggles are not about finding his rhythm, but rather about converting starts into substantial innings. He wants to focus on staying at the crease for longer periods and allowing runs to flow naturally.

His recent dismissal after spending considerable time at the wicket was a harsh reminder of how quickly momentum can shift in cricket. Despite missing out on a century, Doseja refused to let the setback overshadow his contribution to the team's recovery.

Doseja views facing Bengal's pace attack as a significant test, particularly with Mohammad Shami, Akash Deep, and Mukesh Kumar leading the charge. These players have all represented India, making it an intimidating prospect for any batsman.

The southpaw is already looking beyond his own disappointment, choosing to focus on the positives of his innings instead. He plans to learn from the experience and move forward, rather than dwelling on what could have been.

Doseja's recent experience in the Ranji Trophy has been a humbling one, particularly against Bengal's formidable fast bowlers who consistently targeted the right areas, making it difficult for him to score freely.

The Delhi southpaw acknowledges that facing Bengal's bowling attack gave him confidence, but also made him realize that their style is unlike any other he has faced in India. He believes that this experience will help him better navigate future challenges against different bowling attacks.

Doseja has been working on his red-ball game at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence (CoE), where batting coaches Wasim Jaffer and Hrishikesh Kanitkar have helped him focus on his own strengths rather than getting distracted by external factors. They emphasized the importance of staying focused on his own game, ignoring outside noise.

The transition from one format to another remains a challenge for Doseja, with the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy looming large on the horizon. His coaches' advice continues to guide him as he prepares to face new challenges in this tournament, where adapting quickly will be crucial.

Doseja's experience in adapting to different formats of cricket has been a key factor in his growth as a player. He believes that his year-round preparation has allowed him to switch seamlessly from red-ball cricket to T20, with the main difference being the intent behind each format.

The change in intent is what sets T20 apart from other forms of cricket, and Doseja emphasized this point when discussing his transition. With less time for preparation, players must be able to think on their feet and adapt quickly to new situations.

Doseja has also been fortunate to have had the support of senior India wicketkeeper-batter Rishabh Pant during his early days as a player. Pant's guidance and encouragement gave Doseja the confidence to keep learning and improving, even when opportunities seemed scarce.

With a growing sense of self-assurance, Ayush Doseja has begun to assert himself as a force to be reckoned with in domestic cricket. He credits Pant's guidance and encouragement for instilling confidence that has allowed him to keep learning and improving, even when opportunities seemed scarce.

Doseja is now focused on taking the next step, one where he can turn his starts into big innings that will propel Delhi forward and strengthen his case for a spot in India's lineup. For now, the second-season blues are a test of patience, but Doseja has the necessary ingredients - starts, confidence, and backing from management - to make a lasting impact.