Shreyas Gopal Completes 100th First-Class Game, Calls Milestone ‘Surreal’

September 6, 2026

Chennai: Veteran domestic cricketer Shreyas Gopal reached a major career milestone on Sunday as he took the field in his 100th First-Class (FC) game during the Duleep Trophy final between South Zone and East Zone at the MA Chidambaram Stadium.

Gopal described the occasion as a “very happy and proud feeling”, while calling the milestone “surreal”. He said playing his 100th First-Class match in a Duleep Trophy final made the achievement even more special.

“It’s pretty surreal to play a 100th first-class game, and the Duleep Trophy final makes it even more special,” Gopal said in a video shared by BCCI Domestic.

‘You don’t really dream about playing your 100th’

Gopal, who has been an important part of Karnataka’s domestic setup, said that as a young cricketer, his ambition was simply to play for his state.

“Growing up as a kid, you dream of playing a few games for your state, but you don’t really dream about playing your 100th, so that’s a special feeling,” he said.

Reflecting on his journey since making his First-Class debut in 2013, Gopal said his career has included a mixture of happy and difficult moments.

“So many memories over the last few years that I’ve had — good, sour, upsetting, happy — it’s a very mixed feeling, but to stand here and to be playing my 100th game is a very happy and proud feeling,” he said.

Career across Karnataka and Kerala

Gopal began his First-Class career with Karnataka and played a key role in the state’s 2013-14 Ranji Trophy-winning campaign, taking 22 wickets during that season.

He later moved to Kerala for the 2023-24 season before returning to Karnataka. He was also part of Karnataka’s Vijay Hazare Trophy-winning side in the 2024-25 domestic season.

Speaking about the demands of First-Class cricket in India, Gopal said playing on Indian wickets requires considerable effort and perseverance.

“On Indian wickets, it’s some tough conditions that you’ve played on, and you really have to put in a lot of effort to get something off it,” he said.

‘Discipline and perseverance’ biggest lessons

Gopal recalled being told as a youngster that sustaining a long First-Class career would be extremely difficult.

He said he now understands why he received that advice, describing the journey as challenging but rewarding.

According to Gopal, discipline and perseverance have been the biggest lessons of his First-Class career.

“The biggest thing it’s taught me is discipline and perseverance, without which you won’t be able to play too many games,” he said.

He dedicated the 100th-game milestone to his family, parents, wife, close friends, fans and everyone who supported him throughout his career.