Ahlawat lights up opening game of GG Dutt Memorial cricket

Ex-Delhi Ranji Trophy player and wicketkeeper-batsman Mohit Ahlawat lit up the opening game of the 48^th edition of Goswami Ganesh Dutt Memorial Cricket Tournament, hammering 145 not out of 81 balls to lead Sahgal Cricket Club to a 120-run win over Players Cricket Academy at the St Stephens’ ground on Tuesday.

Ahlawat had played Ranji matches for Delhi in the 2015-16 season but had failed to perform, which forced the team management to drop him. He returned to the Delhi stables in 2018 but only in the under-23 side for two one-dayers, where his performance was satisfactory.

Next year, he shifted to Services after landing a job with the Indian Navy.

Ahlawat has played eight Ranji games for Services since joining it in 2019-20 season but was dropped for the whole of last season. He is eyeing tournaments such as Goswami Ganesh Dutt to impress Services selectors and return to the team for the next season.

“When I broke into the Delhi side as a youngster in 2015-16, I played only after performing in this tournament. But I was unlucky as I wasn’t able to perform for Delhi,” said Ahlawat.

“I want to get back into the Services first-class team. I have very few chances as I don’t get to play much so I have to perform in every match, every single match is important for me.”

The 27-year-old right-hander is posted in Visakhapatnam with hometown in Panipat. He shuttles between the two cities. It becomes difficult for him to keep dropping into Delhi after employment for league or tournament matches for quality cricket.

“I am here for a few days and want to exploit this opportunity and score heavily. Only big runs will count for me,” said the former LB Shastri player.

Thanks to his ton, Sahgal Cricket Club piled up 392/4 in 40 overs and restricted opponents Players Cricket Academy to 272/5. Youngster Vedansh Siotia hit 102 for the losers.

The GG Dutt tournament is among the oldest tournaments where a lot of international stars including Virat Kohli, Gautam Gambhir, Yuvraj Singh, Virender Sehwag and Ishant Sharma have spent their formative years.

“The tournament returned last year after a break due to Covid and features 12 teams this time too like last year,” said Vikas Katyal, the organising secretary of the tournament.

The teams are divided into four pools with each pool comprising three of them. The toppers of each pool will enter the semi-finals which are scheduled to be played on June 1 and 2. The final will be played on June 4.

Teams and Pools:

Pool A: Delhi Challengers, Golden Eagle CC, Friends Cricket Club

Pool B: Chand Khanna Cricket Club, AIMIL, Goat Players XI

Pool C: Players Cricket Academy, Sahgal Cricket Club, Rann Star Cricket Club

Pool D: Sporting Cricket Club, Ravi Brothers, Collage Sports Club