Cricket

Ayush Doseja finds rhythm with season-best 78 as Delhi battles Services

  • Authored By: Sports Now
  • Updated Nov 3, 2026, 22:51 IST

After a challenging start to his second domestic season, Delhi batter Ayush Doseja hit a crucial 78 against Services in the Ranji Trophy, focusing on consistency and patience to overcome recent form struggles.

Ayush Doseja finds rhythm with season-best 78 as Delhi battles Services

Delhi left-hander Ayush Doseja has finally broken his streak of missed opportunities, registering his highest score of the 2026-27 domestic season with a gritty 78 against Services. The innings, played at the Air Force Complex Ground in Palam, provided a much-needed boost for Delhi, who ended the second day of play at 299 for 6 in response to the opposition's first-innings total of 266.

Despite the relief of finding form, the 24-year-old admitted to a sense of frustration after his dismissal, which came via a ball strangled down the leg side. Following a breakthrough campaign last year where he amassed 949 runs, Doseja had struggled to convert promising starts into substantial scores across both the Duleep Trophy and the opening rounds of the Ranji Trophy. While he had previously recorded scores of 25, 30, and 40, the elusive big innings had remained out of reach until this latest performance.

Overcoming the Second-Season Challenge

Doseja dismissed the notion that his recent form was a result of technical failure or excessive pressure. Instead, he attributed his earlier struggles to a combination of unfortunate dismissals and the natural adjustment period that follows a high-scoring breakthrough year. He noted that the external expectations, fueled by his previous season's success, were something he viewed as a privilege rather than a burden.

To refine his approach, the batter spent time at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence, working under the guidance of coaches Wasim Jaffer and Hrishikesh Kanitkar. The pair encouraged him to block out external noise and focus on a ball-by-ball approach. This mindset proved effective against Services, where he prioritized long-term crease occupation over aggressive shot-making. Doseja remains confident that his current trajectory, which emphasizes a dominant batting style, will eventually lead to the massive scores he is capable of producing.

Building Momentum for the Future

Reflecting on the season's early tests, Doseja highlighted the value of facing a high-quality Bengal bowling attack—featuring international regulars Mohammed Shami, Akash Deep, and Mukesh Kumar—as a benchmark for his own development. He believes that navigating such elite challenges has provided him with the confidence to handle other domestic bowling units more effectively.

Looking ahead, the young batter is preparing to transition his focus toward the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. While he acknowledges the shift in intent required for the shorter format, he remains committed to his long-term goal of consistent performance. With the backing of senior figures like Rishabh Pant, who has encouraged him to remain patient, Doseja is focused on the process rather than setting specific timelines for national selection. For now, his priority remains clear: staying at the crease, dominating the opposition, and continuing to contribute to Delhi’s campaign in the Ranji Trophy.