Splendid journey to IPL

Playing in the cash-rich league of cricket- Indian Premiere League (IPL) is a dream come true for any cricketer around the globe. This battle between world-class batsmen and fierce bowlers has given a new synonym to cricket. ‘Slow and steady’ may win the race, but this saying doesn’t hold true with   IPL, where the matches demand electrifying performances from their players in all the areas of ground. 

Thus, being a part of IPL has always branded a cricketer’s career beyond his nationality.  This value is doubled if the cricketer hails from a non Test playing nation, or an associates member country of ICC, like Nepal.

Shakti Gauchan, 29, a well known Nepalese left-arm spinner recently came back after completing a weeklong trial for one of the Indian Premiere League (IPL) franchise, Rajasthan Royals. According to Shakti, in these seven days he closely witnessed his dreams coming true. “Those seven days were the most wonderful days of my life, as I came to breathe in the moment which was beyond my dream,” relieved Shakti says. In a recent interview with TNP Shakti Gauchan stressed on his experience with Rajasthan Royals.      

Frustrating flight

When Shakti flew from Kathmandu to his destination Jaipur, he had taken a halt in New Delhi. The journey of pursuing his dream was the longest travel for Shakti. A bunch of questions kept crossing his mind. “Will I get a chance to play with them? Can I even get a chance to bowl? Will I be sharing net with Rahul Dravid?” Sometimes he also doubted his own ability assuming that the call might be just a formality. “I was worried for my own performance. Will I prove myself among those best cricketers from the world?” But, as soon as he reached there, his suspicions were cleared with confirmations of joining the net, next day. He sighed with relief when Coach Monty Deshai told Shakti that he was eagerly waiting for him.

Disastrous first net session

Finally, the moment came. Shakti joined the first net session. It was a match scenario session at academy ground and Shakti was awestruck with the sight which he had only witnessed on television before. The legend Rahul Dravid, Shaun Tait, Ajinkya Rahane and many cricketing elites were in front of him.  Already tensed, Shakti was asked to field at square leg area and something went wrong that turned his face red. The ball struck by Brad Hodge went for four passing through Shakti’s legs. “I could have fielded that ball easily, but the stress spoiled it,” Shakti recalls adding, “It also raised a big question mark over my performance.” Furious with himself, Shakti could not look into other players’ eyes during the drinks break. “I was far from them, but it was my own mistake so I was complaining to myself,” said Shakti. So, Shakti had not much to write in his diary, from his first day session.

Zero to Hero in next session  

Shakti emerged as a hero in next session. Shakti was fielding at the cover area, when Shaun Tait was batting. His mate Gajendra Singh, a Ranjee Trophy player warned Shakti not to go close, as Shaun can strike powerfully. Soon, he saved Shaun’s well-struck shot that turned his hand red in a while. “My confidence boosted with that save and I saved some more shots of Shaun.” After that, Rahul called Shakti to field at point area, where only best fielders can dare to field. Then, he took a beautiful diving catch, similar to the one he had taken against USA during ICC World Division -5, held in Kathmandu two year back. Everyone praised Shakti. “You are a fabulous fielder. That was stunning catch buddy,” said other players.          

Dravid clean bowled

Memorable Moment: Shakti couldn't let go the moment to pose with "THE WALL" Rahul Dravid

On the second day of his trial, Shakti got the chance to do what he does the best. He had his luck in his palm. Surely, ball to bowl. It was much mesmerizing moment for Shakti when he got the chance to bowl against Rahul Dravid, whom the world calls ‘The Wall’.  “Suddenly coach handed me the ball to bowl to Rahul Dravid. I was captivated to see Rahul sir ready to face my bowl,” says Shakti. “Oh! My god, Dravid in front of me,” Shakti remembers his moment with Rahul Dravid. Shakti rattled Dravid’s stumps in the fourth bowl he bowled to Rahul. “I bowled Dravid in the fourth delivery, however he had smacked first two deliveries and third one had found his pad. I was so delighted that I wanted to celebrate the moment, but I did not because it was a practice session,” recollects Shakti who also trapped Brad Hodge leg before wicket, twice. Other colleagues started showering their compliments after I bowled out Rahul. “Hey! Shakti, you are a really fantastic bowler. Hey guys, Shakti bowled Rahul Dravid, “other present there said.  

Praise from Dravid

Gauchan  with star Rajasthan Royals batsman Owais Shah.

When Shakti was called to play a day-night practice match, he again bowled out Dravid and bagged a run-out as well. Then, Rahul himself called everyone and introduced Shakti with everyone present there. “Hey everyone, He is my friend Shakti Gauchan from Nepal. He has been here for trial and he has done really well here. I want you all to give him a huge round of applause.” Dravid complimented Shakti on his performance. For Shakti, it was as blissful as playing in IPL. Shakti also managed to take a snap with Dravid and other cricketers. “We were not allowed to have chats with senior players but when I was taking picture with Dravid I spoke to him. He also wished me for my future career.”

Shakti also seized a moment to bowl against Adam Gilchrist, though he was not in Rajasthan Royals. “Everyone was queuing to bowl against Gilchrist, so I also snatched a chance to bowl because who knows I’d never get another chance to bowl” says Shakti who conceived a six on the very first delivery he bowled to him.    

Personal experience and learning

Shakti Gauchan with Johan Botha

According to Shakti, he never inquired about his chances of playing in the IPL. All he wanted to grab was the lifetime experience of sharing the net with maestros of cricket. “I had no idea of playing in IPL, since I was busy in learning from them. And, for me it was most important as a player,” opines Shakti. During his stay with Rajasthan Royals, Shakti realized that the greatest of all batsmen cannot hammer you if one bowls good deliveries. “I learnt the best lesson that no one can charge you if you bowl on right line and length,” shares Shakti. He also admired their spirit and style of practicing in the net, which is different from Nepal. For him, the opening batsman for Rajasthan Royals – Ajinkya Rahane holds the highest degree of team spirit and dedication. “Rahane was different from all. He keeps batting for four hours a day. He is so talented and always eager to perform well,” adds Shakti. Shakti also wishes his good luck to Rajasthan Royals and want the first edition winner to clinch this year’ edition.   

Cool time with Praveen Kumar before the match between RR and Kings XI Punjab.

 

Serving nation as a coach

In the interview, Shakti Gauchan, also revealed his future goal of serving Nepali cricket team as coach. “I want to impart cricket basics and trends to my fellows and my junior brothers that I have acquired during my 12 year long career,” shares Shakti, who has been working as a coach for New Horizon Higher Secondary School of Butwal for a decade.