Bhatia shines on debut (March 2000)

When Tamil Nadu travelled to Cuttack to take on Orissa, Rajat Bhatia was a very excited youngster. The chances of him making his Ranji Trophy debut in that match were very high. When the playing eleven was named on the morning of the match Bhatia found to his joy that he would have the pleasure of taking the field. On winning the toss, Tamil Nadu skipper Sreedharan Sharath had no sesitation in electing to bat. Although Orissa hardly possessed an attack that put fear in the minds of the opposition, Sharath might have been doubting the wisdom of his choice when Tamil Nadu were reduced to 190/9. [More]

Bhatia knocks the stuffing out of Punjab (April 2000)

When Punjab brought a side stacked with batsmen to Chennai to play their Quarter Final match against Tamil Nadu, a good batting track welcomed them. In a move that surprised a few, Tamil Nadu captain Sharath opted to put Punjab in to bat on winning the toss. A combination of bad batting and decent bowling vindicated his decision. Punjab were bowled out for just 258. In response Tamil Nadu put together 461 bolstered by a 165 at the top of the innings by an in form Sreedharan Sriram. Hemang Badani who also looked in good nick contributed 70. [More]