Chinmay Sutar hits unbeaten 400 for Mizoram in Ranji Trophy; first call was to his father

Chinmay Sutar scored an unbeaten 400 for Mizoram against Nagaland in Sovima, Nagaland in the Ranji Trophy Plate Group on Monday, becoming only the second Indian batter to score a quadruple century in first-class cricket. After the day's play he said the first person he rang was his father: "The first person I called after the day's play was my father. It was a big milestone, and I wanted to share it first with my dad," Sutar told PTI from Sovima, Nagaland.

Sutar, 29, described his journey as one of missed opportunities that made the achievement especially meaningful and credited his father, Rajesh, for steady support; Rajesh played seven first-class matches for Mumbai. "He has been a big supporter of mine from early years," Sutar said. "He remained by my side whenever I missed out on a chance to play and advised me to stay strong and trust my abilities," Sutar said. He also explained his move to Mizoram in pursuit of red-ball cricket: "Obviously, it was a difficult decision for me. But I always wanted to play red-ball cricket. I was not getting those chances in Mumbai," he said. "So, when I got a chance to play for Mizoram, I did not want to let go of the possibility of playing red-ball matches. So, I took it."

Sutar reached 400 not out off 517 balls, hitting 46 fours and seven sixes as Mizoram declared on 581 for nine. Only Bhausahab Babasaheb Nimbalkar, who scored 443 not out for Maharashtra against Kathiawar in 1948, had previously crossed 400 in Indian first-class cricket.

The quadruple came after an extraordinary last-wicket stand with Lalrempuia Chhakchhuak; when Chhakchhuak joined, Sutar was on 231 and Mizoram 392. The pair added an unbeaten 189, with Chhakchhuak contributing 14 from 76 balls while Sutar scored 169 of the partnership. "He really batted well, without any nerves," Sutar said, adding that they focused on smaller targets rather than chasing a particular milestone.

Sutar also praised the environment at Mizoram and his teammates' work ethic and hunger to improve, saying the personal landmark had not removed his immediate responsibilities. With Mizoram aiming to secure full points from the match, Sutar acknowledged the task ahead remained unfinished.

Mizoram's next objective is to bowl Nagaland out cheaply and enforce the follow-on to press for full points in the Ranji Trophy Plate Group match.