CHENNAI: After his prolific run with the bat for the Zonal Cricket Academy in Bangalore, Robin Bist went home to Delhi, expecting a call for the Indian squad for the U-19 World Cup in Malaysia in 2007. Besides being the second highest run-scorer for the ZCA in the selection matches for the U-19 squad, he created history in the national U-14 tournament with his record 395-run stand while opening for Delhi with Mayank Sidhana against Haryana. With his stellar performances in the U-16 and U-17 tournaments, everything looked to be on track for Bist. However, the youngster’s dream of representing the country was put on hold as he was ‘ignored’ for reasons unknown.
Dejected Bist wanted to quit the game he loved. His father, asked him to remain patient and focused, which the right-handed batsman took serious note of. His younger brother Chetan suggested him to try his luck with Rajasthan instead of Delhi. Soon, Bist was training with the limited facilities he got in Nagaur district, Rajasthan. “My earlier days were difficult. Family supported me. Younger brother motivated me to succeed,” recalls Bist.
A disappointing 2010-11 season with Rajasthan followed. The Delhiite wanted to prove his mettle in the big league. “Started my work well ahead of the Ranji season. Had not performed well in the previous season, but remained patient. My coach and the seniors in the squad helped me a lot throughout the season. I am now happy for it,” said an elated Bist after Rajasthan lifted their second consecutive Ranji title in Chennai.
In the Ranj final, against Tamil Nadu, Bist played two solid knocks. Bist ended the Ranji season with an aggregate of 1,145 runs at an average of 81.78 in 11 matches, including four hundreds and five fifties. “Didn’t set any target at the start of this season. Just wanted to be patient and occupy the crease. Unlike many batsmen from north India, I’m not aggressive. I just concentrated on middling the ball.”
The Ranji season (2011-12) did not exactly start with a bang for Bist, who put up scores of 47 and 20 against Karnataka in the opening game, followed by an unbeaten 82 against Mumbai. A miffed captain Hrishikesh Kanitkar asked his teammate to convert the starts into big scores. The result was a career-changing 167 against Railways at Delhi.
“Hrishikesh asked me to be patient and not throw away my wicket. He backed me to the hilt. That innings gave me the confidence to handle tough situations and contribute to the team with pivotal knocks.”
He followed it up with a 76 and unbeaten 100 against Uttar Pradesh. Bist continued his rich vein of form, hitting 176 and 127 against Punjab and Orissa respectively.
The 24-year-old has continued his good form in the Duleep Trophy. He scored 160 in the second innings for Central Zone against South in the semifinal on Tuesday. “Though I am happy, there is no way I’m going to get carried away, Aakash Chopra keeps reminding me of the bigger challenges ahead. I love batting and want to continue my form. At the same time, as I’ve been shuffled across the order, I hope to bat in a proper position.”
Remind him of the national selection, he sticks to his mantra of ‘being patient.’ “Not thinking about the national call. I’m working on being patient and carrying my form into next season. But to wear the Ashoka Chakra is my ultimate dream and by god’s grace, I will do that,” said Bist.
