Never thought I will play in Ranji Trophy: Gokul Sharma

Our Sports Reporter

GUWAHATI: He recently went into the record book for becoming the most run-scorer for Assam in first-class cricket surpassing Rajesh Bora. Rajesh, a prolific batsman in his era, scored 3,447 runs in 66 matches and Gokul, took his runs tally to 3,665 from 74 matches, after the end of the season. In a conversation with The Sentinel, the right-handed batsman, who also scored 7 centuries, shared his journey in first-class cricket.

The Sentinel (TS): You are now the highest run-scorer for Assam in first-class cricket. What’s your reaction?

Gokul: It’s a great feeling. At the early stage of my life, I never thought that I would play in the Ranji Trophy. But I got the opportunity to play in the big circuit. However, it was not in my mind that one day I would make this record. I feel it is the blessings of the seniors which helped me to reach this stage.

(TS): You have completed 16 long years in Ranji Trophy. How will you describe your journey?

Gokul: I admit that it was not smooth. I made my debut in 2004 and after that, there were many ups and downs in my journey. I was even left out of the team. But I didn’t look back once I returned to the team in 2010 and for that, I should give credit to Mumbaikar Amol Muzumdar.

(TS): What role Amol played?

Gokul: Assam probably was doing the net session for a limited over tournament when Amol watched me play a match at the Nehru stadium in 2009. I was maybe participating in a competition organized by the Bud Cricket Club. Later, on Amol’s initiative, I was invited to the nets and played good innings in a practice game. Although I was not selected in the squad that season, Amol was highly impressed with my batting and he even discussed the matter with ACA officials. Next year, I joined the Ranji camp and got selected to play for Assam again.

(TS): Your most memorable moment in Ranji Trophy!

Gokul: It’s undoubtedly the century that I scored against Bengal during my comeback tournament in 2010. We were chasing a huge first-innings total of Bengal (562-6 dec) and managed to take a first-innings lead. It is most satisfying that I too contributed well in the innings scoring a century (101no). I can still remember Tarjinder and I added 176 runs for the sixth wicket. Tarjinder was a little unlucky as he missed a century by just two runs. I have a couple of memorable innings (against Mumbai in qtrs and against Kerala in semis) in the Vijay Hazare Cricket championship in 2013 also when we finished the competition as runner’s up. (Against Mumbai, Gokul scored 51 and vs Kerala, he remained not out on 52).

(TS): What about your future plan?

Gokul: I want to continue playing cricket for another three to four years. Actually I will play the game till I enjoy it and once I feel the time has come to quit I will hang up my boots.

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