Mumbai, Jan 30: After being dropped on naught yesterday, Mumbai’s Jaideep Pardeshi scored 125 runs (19x4, 2x6) and was involved in a 171-run first wicket partnership with Akarshit Gomel (53) in the ongoing Cooch Beher Trophy final against Maharashtra. After being bowled out for a paltry 173 on the first day, the Mumbai batsmen showed more application in the second innings. Having snatched a marginal 23-run first innings lead after wrapping up Maharashtra for 150, the hosts were 300 for the loss of seven wickets at stumps on Day 3. However, they need to consolidate their position further to stake their claim on the U-19 trophy.

The star of the day, Jaideep Pardeshi spoke about the significance of his innings after the end of day’s play. Excerpts:

On his plan when he came to the crease in the morning

To not give away wickets and to spend as much time as possible at the crease.

On being dropped before opening his account

I was able to capitalise on it. There was bit of pressure in the beginning but after that I settled down and then I decided to wait and play.

On the wicket

The pacers are not getting the kind of help from the wicket that they were getting in the first innings. The wicket has slowed down and is helping the spinners more.

On the significance of his knock

It was an important knock. Though I was getting 30-40 runs in the knockouts, I wasn’t getting big scores. I was the only one from the top-order who was yet to play a big innings. Every innings someone has clicked; this innings it was me. It helped the team as we scored runs and [my innings] also consumed time. The aim was to play for as much time as possible and the runs would follow. The wickets are falling in clusters. It is difficult for a new batsman to come in and play.

On whether he was thinking of a double-ton

Yes, I was thinking about that but it didn’t happen.

On the partnership with Akarshit Gomel

We have had 12 or 13 partnerships. This is our seventh or eight hundred-run partnership for Mumbai.

On the likely target for Maharashtra

The plan is to bat as long as possible. There is not much time left […] Pratik Prabhu is batting; Atif Attarwala and Harmeet Singh are yet to bat

On the season so far

This is my last season in Under-19 [cricket]. The year before last I was in the squad but didn’t play. Last year I was there for the one-dayers. I didn’t score much; I [made] 20-30 runs. This season I have scored 550 runs. This is my second hundred and I had knocks of 91- and 64- [odd] runs. The first hundred was against Kerala in the league match.

On whether his performances were taking him forward

I need to work harder. Let’s see if I get selected for some other tournament. But there are still matches left in the season like Twenty20s and club matches.

On the other teams that he plays for

I play for Shivaji Park Youngsters and for Hindustan Petroleum. HP will play the Petroleum Shield in February.

On his background

I am from Junnar near Pune but have never played for Maharashtra. I have played four matches against Maharashtra and scored three fifties. I shifted to Mumbai and stayed at the Hansraj hostel in Andheri and was in the Chandrakant Pandit Cricket Academy for five years; my school was [located] there. I’ve played the Giles Shield, Harris Shield, Under 14 and Under 15 [categories]. I have been playing cricket since the seventh standard. Now I live in Thane with my grandfather.