In a cricket match the average of runs scored by 7 players is 53. The runs scored by 6 of the players are 121, 40, 26, 56, 37 and 48. How many runs did the 7th player score?

Introduction / Context:
This is a straightforward average and missing term problem. The total runs can be found from the average and number of players, and subtracting the known contributions reveals the unknown score of the seventh player.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- Total number of players considered = 7. - Average runs scored by these 7 players = 53. - Runs of 6 players: 121, 40, 26, 56, 37 and 48. - We must find the runs scored by the 7th player.

Concept / Approach:
Average runs = total runs / number of players. Hence total runs for 7 players are 7 times 53. The sum of the given 6 scores is subtracted from this total to obtain the remaining score. This is a classic technique for determining a missing value from an average.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Total runs of 7 players = 7 * 53 = 371. Step 2: Sum of known runs = 121 + 40 + 26 + 56 + 37 + 48. Step 3: 121 + 40 = 161, 161 + 26 = 187, 187 + 56 = 243, 243 + 37 = 280, 280 + 48 = 328. Step 4: Total of known runs is 328. Step 5: Runs by 7th player = total runs - known runs = 371 - 328. Step 6: 371 - 328 = 43.

Verification / Alternative check:
Add the found value back and check the average. New total = 328 + 43 = 371. Average = 371 / 7 = 53, which matches the original average given in the question. This confirms that 43 is correct.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
- 26, 37 and 48 are already existing scores of other players. - 50 is a plausible cricket score but does not give the correct overall average when added.

Common Pitfalls:
Some candidates try to average the known runs first or guess a middle value. Others may make arithmetic slips while adding the six scores. It is safer to group additions carefully or write them down step by step before subtracting from the total based on the average.

Final Answer:
The 7th player scored 43 runs.