Will be even better if we win the match, says J&K’s Paras Dogra after scaling 10,000 Ranji Trophy runs

In a journey that has spanned 24 years, Paras Dogra became the second batter to score 10,000 runs in the Ranji Trophy during Jammu and Kashmir’s first innings against Bengal in the semifinal at the Bengal Cricket Academy ground here on Monday.

Before the 41-year-old J&K skipper, who had earlier gathered 10,000 runs in First Class cricket, Mumbai legend Wasim Jaffer was the first one to achieve the Ranji feat.

Dogra, who also donned Himachal Pradesh and Puducherry colours in his marathon career, was thrilled with his personal milestone. “It’s a big achievement, never thought about it. I enjoyed the journey full of ups and downs. The game makes you a strong human being,” Dogra told Sportstar.

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Introduced to the game by his father Kultar (who played club and corporate cricket), Dogra remembered his parent’s contribution. “I remember him every day. It was hard to please him, but he would have been happy today.”

Born in Himachal and having played cricket in competitive and challenging hot-weather tournaments in Delhi, Dogra has always been a tough competitor on the ground and an amiable person off it.

Even in his forties, the lanky Dogra is at the top of his fitness and sets example for his team-mates by fielding exceptionally and batting responsibly. His half-century in a 143-run partnership with Abdul Samad against Bengal here is a prime example of his exceptional fighting spirit and commitment.