PORVORIM: Goa’s Abhinav Tejrana has scripted another milestone in his promising cricketing career after being named in the South Zone squad for the prestigious Duleep Trophy, making him the only cricketer from Goa to earn a place in this year’s squad.
GCA Senior Selection Committee chairman, Girish Parekh said Abhinav’s selection was a result of sustained performances over the last few seasons and reflected the high standards required to earn recognition at the zonal level.
“The selection process was extremely competitive. There were seven selectors representing each South Zone state, and the meeting, chaired by the Andhra Cricket Association, lasted nearly five hours before the final squad was decided. South Zone is one of the strongest zones in Indian cricket, with several current and former India players in contention, making every selection highly competitive,” said Parekh.
Speaking about what worked in Abhinav’s favour, Parekh said the Goan batter’s consistency made it impossible to ignore him. “Abhinav has scored over 1,150 runs in 12 innings of 7 ranji trophy matches and has consistently been among the leading run-getters. His performances made it very difficult for the selectors to overlook him. Apart from his numbers, he is an attacking batter who adapts well to different match situations and never allows bowlers to dominate him. He is a genuine threat in all formats of the game,” he said.
Parekh added that Abhinav’s age, versatility and left-handed batting also strengthened his case during the selection discussions. “Team selection is always about the right combination, and Abhinav’s left-handed batting, age and ability to perform across formats worked in his favour. Based on the discussions, I can confidently say he is expected to feature in the playing XI. If he continues performing at this level, he will certainly catch the attention of national selectors and could even earn an IPL opportunity in the future,” Parekh remarked.
While congratulating Abhinav, Parekh also highlighted the challenges faced by aspiring first-class cricketers. “Many youngsters today are losing interest in four-day cricket, but performances in the longer format remain the biggest pathway to higher honours. Professional cricket demands patience, consistency and commitment. Abhinav has shown that sustained performances are rewarded,” he said.
On Goa’s emerging talent, Parekh said the state continues to produce quality cricketers but consistency remains the key.
“We have talented players in Goa, but consistency is what separates those who progress to the next level. Players like Snehal Kauthankar has been the recipient of the prestigious BCCI Madhavrao Scindia Award (2026) for being the highest run-scorer in the Ranji Trophy Plate Group during the 2024–25 season. He became the first Goan cricketer to receive this honour. While Suyash Prabhudessai has already earned an IPL opportunity , and there are others who have the ability to move higher. However, the standard of Indian cricket is incredibly high, and players have to consistently perform season after season to remain in contention,” he added.
Abhinav’s selection is another significant achievement for Goa cricket and serves as an inspiration for young cricketers aspiring to represent the state and eventually earn recognition on the national stage.
