Abhinav Mukund draws ICC president’s praise

Left-hander Abhinav Mukund’s elegance has won him a new fan — the ICC president himself! Zaheer Abbas, who is here on an invitation from the Hyderabad Cricket Association to be the chief guest at Wednesday’s presentation ceremony of the ongoing all-India Moin-ud Dowla Gold Cup final, took a liking to the India Cements captain even as he was one-third of his way to a big knock on Monday.

While watching post lunch proceedings on the opening day of the three-day final against Hyderabad XI, Abbas was impressed by the opener, who was approaching his half-century then. “Who is this player ” he enquired with the HCA officials, before expressing his appreciation for him. “He’s playing so well.”

Abhinav eventually went on to make 154 off 212 balls, slamming 17 of them to the boundary, to guide his side to 299. The left-hander was humbled by the ICC president’s appreciation. “I am honoured that he had kind words for me,” Abhinav told this newspaper.

“I had heard that he was coming to Hyderabad but did know he was actually watching me. It feels good,” Abhinav beamed.

“I am very happy with the way I batted,” the 25-year-old said, before summing up his liking for the opposition. “Ever since my U-13 days, I’ve always scored a century against Hydera-bad, barring maybe one season,” he smiled.