GUWAHATI: Middle order batsman of Assam Gokul Sharma recently announced retirement from limited overs cricket. In a conversation with The Sentinel Gokul shared his thoughts on future plans and some other issues. Here is the excerpt.
The Sentinel (TS): When did you think about the retirement plan?
Gokul: Actually it was in my mind when I went to Chennai to play the Vijay Hazare Cricket. It was almost final that I would quit after the competition and I took the decision once we ended our campaign with unbeaten note.
TS: You are now 35. Is age a factor behind the decision?
Gokul: No, It's not like that. Right now there are good numbers of talented players in the team and I feel they should get more chances to play. You can say it was the reason behind my decision.
TS: Share your best moment in the limited overs cricket!
Gokul: Obviously it is the 2012-23 season when we played the final in Vijay Hazare Trophy. I performed consistently throughout the tournament in both bat and ball.
TS: What about your plan for the Ranji Trophy and other formats...
Gokul: I want to play atleast three more years in Ranji Trophy. I am still capable of contributing well in this version of cricket. I also have a dream to win the Ranji Trophy title playing for Assam. I shall try my best to reach that goal.
TS: Several junior cricketers are now line up for the State team. A good sign !
Gokul: Yes. It's true. Denish, Mukhtar, Saahil, Rahul…. , the list is long. It is really a good sign. If we can groom them properly and give more matches I feel in the coming days Assam will be a very formidable team in the national circuit.
TS: ACA has recently taken a series of steps to bring a major change in State Cricket. Your comment.
Gokul: Yes, a lot of changes are going on under the supervision of Assam Cricket Association in both infrastructure and in the coaching system. I feel it is possible only because most of the present office bearers have in depth knowledge on cricket. Earlier also, we had a few good cricket administrators but in the present committee the number is bigger and it is really helping the State Cricket to move towards a positive direction. I feel, Abu (Nechim) and Pritam (Das) would have represented India in senior team if the present committee was there during their pick time.