Sridharan Sriram completes a rare double

``History is the witness that testifies to the passing of time; it illumines reality, vitalizes memory, provides guidance in daily life, and brings us tidings of antiquity.'' This quote by Marcus Tullius Cicero is apt for Sridharan Sriram who completed 1000 runs this Ranji Trophy season on Friday. In the process of compiling 165 against Punjab in the quarterfinal at Chennai, he has also hit five centuries in a season to complete a rare double.

From a bowler-batsman to an opening batsman, Sriram has grown in stature. During the course of his innings, the elegant left hander, who combines talent and temparament joined the two others who have also scored 1000 runs and hit five hundreds in a season - Rusi Modi in 1944-45 and Ajay Sharma in 1996-97. Sriram achieved this in his 7th match and 9th innings. His tally at the end of his innings, which came to an end on Saturday morning, remains at 1050 at an average of 116.

Sriram missed the first three Ranji Trophy games as he was away with the India 'A' team in the West Indies early in the season. Since his return to the state side, he has had an amazing run of scores which could not escape the eyes of the Indian selectors, who picked him to play the last two one-dayers against South Africa. He also made the trip for the just concluded tri-nation Coca Cola tournament in Sharjah, but did not get a game.

The 24-year-old Sriram, who started his career as a left arm spinner has turned into a fine batsman who judiciously mixes caution with aggression. When he first represented the Indian under-19 side, he was successful with the ball, claiming 29 wickets on the tour to South Africa in 1992-93 and ending up as the highest wicket taker. He was the captain of the Indian u-19 team against Australia in 1994-95.

It has been quite an amazing transformation for Sriram. From a bowler who could bat a bit, he has now opened the innings for Tamil Nadu and India 'A' this season with success and played at No 4 for India against South Africa in the only one-day international he has played so far. One only hopes that he comes good and fills the vacant all-rounder's slot in the Indian side for he does seem a worthy candidate.

Sriram's scores this season are: South Zone League : 121 against Hyderabad and 147 against Goa. Super League: 98 against Saurashtra, 23 and 31 against Orissa, 177 against Haryana, 288 & 0 retired against Uttar Pradesh. Knock-out: Quarter finals: 165 against Punjab.

The others who have scored five hundreds in a season are: Rusi Modi (Bombay) in 1944-45, Brijesh Patel (Karnataka) in 1978-79, Amarjeet Kaypee (Haryana) in 1990-91, Woorkheri Raman (Tamil Nadu) in 1991-92, Sachin Tendulkar (Bombay) in 1994-95, MV Sridhar (Hyderabad) in 1995-96, Ajay Sharma (Delhi) in 1996-97, Hrishikesh Kanitkar (Maharashtra) in 1996-97 and J Arun Kumar (Karnataka) in 1998-99.

Players who have completed 1000 runs in a season in the Ranji Trophy: Vijay Bharadwaj (Karnataka) 1280 in 1998-99, Jacob Martin (Baroda) 1037 in 1998-99, Raman Lamba (Delhi) 1034 in 1996-97, Ajay Sharma of Delhi 1033 in 1996-97, WV Raman of Tamil Nadu 1018 in 1988-89, Rusi Modi of Bombay 1008 in 1944-45.

``These little things are great to a little man." Oliver Goldsmith's quote, which is what this distinction is all about, clearly illustrates Sriram's tale. It's truly a proud achievement by this 'little in size' cricketer from Tamil Nadu.