A knock by Aniruddha Laskar to remember forever, writes Dr. Himabrata Das

February 6: Being a commentator,I have had the privilege of interacting with some truly amazing cricketers over the years.What fascinates me more than the action on the field is engaging in delightful conversations with the players off the field.I was pleasantly surprised to bump into Mr Aniruddha Laskar, the reputed journalist, last evening and as expected, we started talking cricket.

He was excited about giving his best in the Media Cricket Fest and his first match was on the next day.I was worried when he showed me his swollen right index finger from an injury he had sustained while fielding at point earlier in the season.He must have been in a considerable amount of pain. But he assured me that he would definitely feature in the opening match. My school friend Swapnadeep, a lawyer based in Mumbai,was incidentally with me at the time and he instantly connected with Aniruddhada.

Mr Laskar,with his remarkable penchant for storytelling,recounted fond memories from his childhood and shared anectodes about his illustrious political family and his magnificent ancestral home. Swapnadeep and I listened in awe.The nostalgia and the imagery in the manner that he spoke was quintessentially Sylethi. It was time to say goodbye. As I was about to wish him all the best, something extraordinary happened. Out of nowhere came the words,”Aami kalke century maarmu dekhis.Aamar kene jaani laager” (“I’ll be scoring a century tomorrow.I have this funny feeling”). All three of us burst into laughter.”God loves dreamers,” I thought to myself as I wished Aniruddha da goodnight.

The next afternoon,I found myself in the commentary position alongside the venerated journalist Mr Anirban Jyoti “AJ Sir” Budhu’s Media Challengers from Hailakandi were in a commanding position after they had won the toss and elected to bat.By the time the first innings ended,the Friends of the Earth News Rockers from Silchar were looking deflated.”123/8 after 15 over” read the scoreboard.It had been a very impressive batting display from the visitors.

The magic show began from ball one as Aniruddha and Monoj walked out to chase a mammoth target of 124. They were looking to make an impact in the powerplay and they could not have imagined a better start. Aniruddha looked possessed like a man on a mission.He tore into the opening bowler Bidhan hitting him for 6 consecutive boundaries.

Spectacular!!! In menacing touch, there would be no respite for the Challengers from Hailakandi. It was happening so fast that the bowling side appeared as though stuck by lightning.In no time, Aniruddha was batting on 47 having faced just 17 balls. We were witnessing history being created in front of our eyes.The shot of the day came one ball later as he brought up his half century with a scintillating straight six over long-on.The sound of the ball making contact with the willow reverberated across the stadium.

It might as well have been perceived by the inhabitants of the adjoining Cachar Club. He went on to score 76 off 34 balls, with 12 fours and 2 sixes, before perishing to a miscued top edge that was nicely held by Abhijit off his own bowling. He had single-handedly destroyed the opposition and Friends of the Earth News Rockers rocked their way to a memorable win by 7 wickets with 15 balls to spare.

Post-presentation, I ran up to congratulate Aniruddha da on his splendid performance.With the signature grin on his face, he replied “Aami koislam tore“(“I’d told you).

Sport offers solace from the painful reality of the human condition.Champions inspire in their ascent. As I walked out of the stadium,I felt an overwhelming sense of positivity and gratitude. And I thought to myself again, “Most certainly,God loves dreamers.”