• Nagaland impresses on day 1 of Ranji Trophy debut
• Skipper Jonathan Rongsen helps build 83 run lead
Morung Express News
Dimapur | November 1
On a historic day for the sport of cricket in Nagaland, the state’s senior team displayed a befitting performance on day one of their first ever Ranji Trophy Test match against Mizoram at the Sovima Cricket Stadium on November 1.
By stumps of day 1, the Nagaland team had accumulated a lead of 83 runs, in what was both teams’ first foray into the country’s premier first-class domestic cricket championship.
After decades of deprivation by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), and following consistent efforts by state cricket associations to be included in the national scene, six North East states—Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Sikkim—along with Uttarakhand and Puducherry are making their debuts in the 2018-19 season of the Ranji Trophy.
A big hand in making this possible was the Supreme Court appointed Lodha Committee, along with wide scale reforms ordered into the workings of the board following the 2013 IPL match-fixing scandal. Among others, the Lodha Committee had recommended the inclusion of these states in the trophy to help identify and develop local talent, and thereby increase the national talent-pool.
The Nagaland Cricket Association (NCA) has also been making constant efforts to ensure development of the sport here, with the senior team performing impressively in the recently concluded Vijay Hazare Trophy. Upcoming talents are also being looked after, with district level tournaments being held to identify young players, culminating with the state’s Under-19 team’s participation in the Vinoo Mankad U-19 Trophy.
On November 1, against the backdrop of a derelict gallery stand, freshly cut grass and an adequate enough pitch, Nagaland captain Jonathan Rongsen, who made his first-class debut with Railways in 2013, led out the state team in crisp whites. Playing a captain’s knock, Jonathan scored 70 runs in 64 balls hitting 9 boundaries and 1 six, at a strike rate of 109.3.
Remaining unbeaten at the end of day 1, his partnerships with opener Nitesh Lochab (45), Sedezhalie Rupreo(24) and KB Pawan (30), helped Nagaland build up an 83 run lead by stumps.
Earlier, Mizoram having won the toss chose to bat first, but were bowled out for just 106 runs in 47.2 overs. Mizoram found it difficult to cope with Nagaland’s attack, as 5 of their batsmen were bowled out for ducks. Taruwar Kohli and Akhil Rajput were the top scorers for Mizoram scoring 49 and 28 runs respectively.
Abrar Kazi was the highest wicket taker for Nagaland, hauling 4 wickets in 16 overs, while giving away only 16 runs. Pawan Suyal and Imliwati Lemtur bagged two wickets each, while Tahmeed Rahman had one scalp to his name. For Mizoram, Moia and Akhil Rajupt grabbed 2 wickets each.
Before the match, Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio inaugurated the players’ pavilions in the stadium. During the inauguration, NCA General Secretary, Abu Metha informed that each Naga cricketer playing Ranji Trophy will earn about Rs.1.5 lakh per match, excluding travelling expenses, kits etc. “At the end of the season, each Naga cricketer playing Ranji Trophy will be taking home at least Rs 20- 25 lakhs," he said.
As the first day drew to a close, the lack of spectators was evident—the Ranji Trophy or Test Cricket in particular never having been known for drawing mass crowds. However, more poignant was the drive displayed today by the players and team staff. Nagaland’s debut in the national scene comes via a long road, but an even tougher path lies ahead. Those involved know this.
Nagaland senior team coach, Kanwaljit Singh, himself a former veteran first-class cricketer from Hyderabad, paced continuously beside the boundary line as the Nagaland bowlers struck quickly under his watchful gaze.
At one instant, he turned to a small group of enthusiastic spectators; smirked and said: “The signs are good.”
