How Sachin Tendulkar Motivated Centurion Musheer Khan In Ranji Trophy Final

Legendary Sachin Tendulkar's presence on the second day served as a huge motivating factor for 19-year-old Mumbai batter Musheer Khan, whose patient 136 turned the Ranji Trophy final result into a mere formality with hosts out-batting Vidarbha by third day itself. The batting legend was present for the morning session on the third day as Musheer piled up his second century in the three knockout games of this season's Ranji Trophy to help Mumbai extend their advantage. Musheer's ton on the third day, came after his splendid 203 not out in the quarterfinal against Baroda and a vital 55 against Tamil Nadu in the semifinal, helping Mumbai set a mammoth 538-run target for Vidarbha.

"I did not even know that Sachin sir was here," Musheer told the media after the end of play on Day 3.

"But when I was batting on 60, I saw on him on the big screen and (thereon) I batted with the motivation that he is watching today and I have to impress sir," he said.

Tendulkar's along with India captain Rohit Sharma's presence at the Wankhede, also underlined the growing importance of domestic red-ball matches.

Musheer said sharing time in the middle with Test veteran like Rahane and a senior international like Iyer helped him learn a lot.

"I got to learn a lot during the partnerships. It is a matter of pride for me that I got to bat with two Test players, it becomes easier for me too. Everyone in their team was trying to get Ajju dada (Ajinkya Rahane) out and it becomes easier for me," Musheer said.

The teenager said that it was a dream come true for him to have scored a century in the final of India's premier domestic tournament.

"It was a dream for me to score a century in the Ranji Trophy final. We (Iyer and Musheer) had a good partnership,