More than 8,500 runs in 132 First-class matches at an average of over 50, with 26 hundreds - the most for Maharashtra. Over 4,800 runs in 133 List-A matches at an average of just under 48, with 15 hundreds. The highest run-getter in Vijay Hazare Trophy history. Back-to-back hundreds to start the new Ranji trophy season.

Hearing such incredible numbers would make any cricketer feel immensely proud, and so did Maharashtra stalwart Ankeet Bawane when reminded of them.

However, for Bawane, these stats serve as motivation to achieve the big dream. The biggest dream of all.

“I want to make it to the highest level, and yes, I take a lot of pride in the numbers,” Bawane told BCCI.tv.

“The dream is always to play for the Indian team, and I keep chasing that year by year. It's still the dream I want to chase, and that's the motivation I have. Every year I come up with the mindset that I have to score 1000 runs, help Maharashtra lift the trophy, and get the India cap. You know, every cricketer's end dream, end goal is to play for India and it is mine too,” he expressed.

Recent Test call-ups for the likes of Saransh Jain and Auqib Nabi, who were rewarded for their consistency on the domestic circuit, only further fuel the 33-year-old.

“That also gives me more motivation that if I do well, I can definitely get a call up for the Indian team. I needed that sort of motivation and I'm very happy that selectors are recognizing the performances from domestic players and giving them the India call-up,” added Bawane, who is on the verge of completing 19 years in India’s domestic circuit since making his debut at the age of 15 in 2007.

Over these 19 years, Bawane has experienced many highs and lows that come with a long career, including the 2025-26 Ranji Trophy that saw him score only 72 runs at 10.28, in what was arguably the most challenging season of his career. A tennis elbow injury in the build-up to this season only added to those challenges. However, Bawane ensured he stayed strong through it all, kept working on his fitness and endurance, and most importantly on his batting by relentlessly grinding it out in the nets.

Cut to the ongoing season, and Bawane has alread amassed 335 runs in just three innings at an average of 167.50, with two hundreds.

“I would have played 20,000 balls in the practice sessions this year because I wanted to make all the correct technical changes,” he revealed. “I have to ensure I make every opportunity count this season.”

Bawane’s singular focus this season is to “put a prize on my wicket,” which he has expertly done already, having played over 350 balls in each of the first two matches. Thrilled with his returns so far, Bawane is quick to point out that this is just the start. Winning the elusive Ranji Trophy title is very high up on his bucket list.

“I want to contribute in every game. I want to get what we call ‘big hundreds,’ which is 150-plus, 200 scores. I definitely want to reach that four-figure mark of 1000 runs this year, and I want my team to be in the knockouts, play the finals and to lift the championship.”

Bawane's motivation—the ultimate dream of wearing the India cap—and the enthusiasm gained by it, will no doubt continue to inspire this veteran of Indian domestic cricket. So will his love for the game, which shines as brightly today as it did when he made his debut as a 15-year-old.

- By Aayush Majumdar