Jayant Goyat, the fast bowler for Services, emphasised the importance of red-ball cricket as the most challenging and essential format following his five-wicket performance against Delhi in the Ranji Trophy Elite Group C match at Palam Stadium.
The 21-year-old right-arm fast-medium bowler, also a member of the Indian Air Force recruited under the Agnipath scheme, claimed five wickets in Delhi’s first innings, restricting them to 344 runs. Despite his effort, Delhi secured a 78-run lead after the first innings.
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Services mounted a strong batting response, reaching 280 for five by stumps on Day 3. Mohit Ahlawat scored an authoritative 142, while captain Rajat Paliwal remained unbeaten on 62. Vineet Dhankhar was also at the crease as Services took a 202-run lead with five wickets remaining.
Reflecting on the team’s strategy, Goyat said, “Today we had a plan to bowl them out under 50 [run lead], meaning we didn’t want to give them a lead of more than 80. We stuck to that plan, got them out quickly, and you saw our batting today. We batted really well with a lot of positive intent. So far, our plan is working out perfectly.”
He highlighted the value of Test cricket, describing it as the ultimate examination of a player’s patience and skill. “Red-ball is the main format of cricket. It’s the toughest. It tests your patience in every way. Red-ball is the real game, and it’s still very important today,” Goyat said.
Regarding the differences with white-ball cricket, he noted the consistent need to balance run containment with wicket-taking: “With white-ball, it’s pretty much the same. You just have to bowl a bit to save runs, and you have to bowl to take wickets. That’s about it, the intent remains the same.”
Goyat also welcomed the Union Cabinet’s approval of a two-year extension of service for Agniveers under the revised ‘Second Tour of Duty’ scheme. He said this development would provide greater opportunities for career growth. “It’s a good thing. It will really help us grow and advance in our careers. It’s a great step,” he remarked.
Under the revised arrangement, 25 per cent of Agniveers will be enrolled in the regular armed forces on merit after their initial four-year tenure. The remaining 75 per cent may opt for a second engagement of two additional years. Following this six-year period, those seeking to continue will be considered for regular enrolment based on prescribed selection criteria. The second engagement will offer increased remuneration, an enhanced Seva Nidhi package, and cumulative seniority benefits.
For Goyat, the ongoing Ranji Trophy campaign presents an opportunity to demonstrate his abilities in the longer format while continuing his commitment to the Indian Air Force.
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