Services captain
The innings was notable not only for its technical quality but for the unique method Paliwal used to maintain his focus. Since the return of cricket following the COVID-19 pandemic, the veteran has requested that his name be omitted from the scoreboard while he is batting. By removing the visual reminder of his individual score, Paliwal aims to eliminate the nerves and distractions that can often accompany a player nearing a significant milestone.
A century achieved through intuition
Paliwal’s approach meant he was largely unaware of his proximity to his 21st first-class century until the opposition’s tactical adjustments gave him a clue. As he approached the triple-figure mark, he noticed the Delhi fielders tightening their positions around him, a clear sign that the fielding captain was looking to restrict his scoring options. It was only through these reactions that he realised he had reached the milestone.
Reflecting on the performance, Paliwal noted that the innings was particularly significant given the precarious position his team found themselves in at the start of the day. With the side having lost four wickets for 44 runs, the captain’s intervention was essential to steady the ship. He described the knock as a critical effort that sets a positive tone for the team heading into the next phase of the tournament.
Drawing inspiration from domestic veterans
Despite nearing his 35th birthday in December, Paliwal remains deeply committed to the longest format of the game. He pointed to the enduring careers of fellow domestic stalwarts as a source of motivation. Specifically, he highlighted Jammu and Kashmir captain Paras Dogra, who continues to perform at a high level in his forties, as an example of the longevity possible in
Addressing the broader landscape of Indian cricket, Paliwal dismissed the notion that the appetite for first-class cricket is waning in the face of T20 dominance. He pointed to the recent form of Delhi’s Ayush Badoni, who recorded back-to-back double centuries, as evidence that players remain dedicated to the rigours of the longer format. For Paliwal, the focus remains on individual performance and the unique challenges that only the first-class game can provide.
