Lockdown Series: Straight from the bat of Raihan Mazumder

April 28: The outbreak of coronavirus pandemic followed by nationwide lockdown brought life to a standstill. In every sphere of life, there was a constraint of four walls confining all. For players, the lockdown seemed to be more of a curse as neither they were able to practice nor play in the field. The lush green grass were as if waiting in vain to be trampled upon by the players. However, Barak Upataka Krira Sangbadik Songstha (BUKSS) infused a new lease of life and started Facebook Live interaction with players of this valley. Dr. Himabrata Das brings to life the experience shared by one such promising cricketer Raihan Mazumder and writes this piece for way2barak.

In a blockbuster Facebook Live interaction organised by Barak Upataka Krira Sangbadik Songstha (BUKSS), the superstar Raihan Mazumder answers questions from cricket lovers from near and far.Here are the highlights:

(On being one of the cleanest hard-hitters) I watch the ball closely especially the length. Selecting the right ball is important before you play an attacking shot)

(Favourite format) Tests and 50 overs cricket

(Best innings)153 in Days’ Cricket

(Early career) Started in 1997 in the house of my cricketing icon my Mama Mehbub Alam who made me join Silchar Cricket Coaching Centre in 1998. The 80-odd I scored in the Inter School Semifinal against Govt Boys’ brought me the limelight. First Inter-District match against Karimganj at India Club ground in 2001 which was rain-affected and ended in a draw. The second innings could not be completed. I got out to Shuvrada. During that match, I was asked to distract the veteran Bikram (Joyda). As I tried to get under his skin, he told me, “Tumi amar haatoor boyosher. Aami tumar Mamar loge khelchi” (You are quite younger to me. I played with your Uncle).  Have some patience. I will definitely play my shots”

(Favourite shots) straight drive back past the bowler,slog over mid-wicket and the lofted shot over long-on.

(On Mehbub Alam, the Tiger of Silchar Cricket) My Mama was my ideal. He conducted himself with discipline on the field. He was a gentleman cricketer and I always try to emulate his principles.

(Best score in limited overs format)128

(On not playing Ranji Trophy) I am not depressed about not playing Ranji. I had some deficiencies. The immature me felt that the most important thing in cricket is to score big runs. Fitness is of utmost importance at the highest level. I have made peace with my fate. I made it to the squad for the U-19 Syed Mustaq Ali Trophy. But unfortunately I couldn’t make it to the playing XI.

(On his philosophy of batting) Sonot Sir always said, “Give yourself the 20 balls and the next 60-80 will be yours. “You can only score if you are at the crease. You can’t score if you are in the dressing room.”

(Senior Inter-district match against Shillong in 2008) I was captain. They scored around 150 batting first. The weather got foggy when we went out to bat. We lost 4 quick wickets. Our coach Alok Sarkar asked me to walk out to bat. But I was not keen on batting in the dark. The next day, I combined with Dipak Sharma and gave Silchar the lead.

(Toughest bowlers) Prakash Bhagat,Sujoy Tarafdar and Pritam Das.From outside Silchar,Ashok Dinda,Sourab Sarkar and Abu Nechim.

(About his dismissal in the recently held BPL final) I was a bit bothered by the Mankading dismissal before walking out to bat. 2nd delivery of my innings, I played a tap shot to fine-leg looking to avoid the deep mid-wicket fielder. Unfortunately, I didn’t take into account the fact that there was a fielder in the circle at 45

(Syed Mustaq Ali Trophy 2007) I remember Pritam Das bowling to MS Dhoni

(IPL probables) After Riyan Parag,Rahul Singh,Pritam Das,Mukhtar Hussain

(Best Batsman from the current generation) SaMik Das

(Best and the toughest moment) U-19 final against NF Railway at Hailakandi. We were about 110 behind having lost 5 wickets cheaply. Overnight, me and Prakash combined and we ended up Champions.

(Best coach) Assam Team coach Sonot Kumar

(Favourite captain) Prakash Bhagat

(Most stylist cricketer after Mehboob Alam) Abhishek Thakuri

(Dada Ridwan) We have played together a lot. He captained India Club. We discuss cricket on the dining table and he regularly points out the shortcomings in my game.

(Silchar’s chances in the Nuruddin Trophy) We have reached the semis in the last two editions. We have the potential to win the trophy in the near future

(About playing in England) It is challenging for batsmen in England because of the prodigious swing. But the pitches are good and the cricketing atmosphere is outstanding. It is a matter of pleasure for every cricketer to play in England. I wish I could go back to play in England again

(About the current U-16 team) They are an excellent team. I have told their coach Tathada that some of them are very promising and can do very well in the senior format. I personally feel captain Prashant is not yet ready for the senior format. He will get even better if he plays one season of U-19 before playing at the highest level.

(Karimganj Cricket) Karimganj cricket is in safe hands with Aditya and Salam doing a great job. Saurab and Bijoy from the current lot are both very impressive. My favourite players from Karimganj are the left handed all rounder Shuvra Deb and Dipankar Aditya.

(Hailakandi Cricket) I love playing in Hailakandi. They are very passionate about the game. They are on their way up after a few forgettable seasons in the recent past.

(Mizoram cricket) I have enjoyed playing in Mizoram. Their cricket infrastructure especially the Suaka Cricket Ground is coming up very nicely as they have adopted the game. I am sure their standard of cricket will improve sharply in the days to come.

(Advice for budding cricketers) Proper practice. Not only indoors. Try to play as many matches as possible. Put equal emphasis on skill and physical fitness.

(On handling pressure) Don’t let the pressure burden you. Dont let the opposition that you are under pressure. Absorb the pressure and bat with patience. Stay at the crease and wait for your time when you can start dominating. Three factors are important when you start your innings- playing to the merit of the delivery, the condition of the pitch and the match situation.

(The MANTRA of the temperament to score runs consistently) I focus on my individual score. I count every run I score. Every 10 runs is a milestone. That way even without you know you find rhythm in your innings.

There is genuine honesty in Raihan’s voice when he says,”Cricket is more important to me than anything else”. The towering giant who stands tall on the cricket field is going nowhere. “I have no plans of retiring. I will keep playing so long I keep scoring”, he assures his countless admirers. God bless this most endearing personality. MAMU tumi Mohaan. (You are great Man).

Here are Raihan’s pick for the best contemporary XI
Pritam
SaMik
Rajdeep
Raju
Mosarob
Rahul Singh
Thakuri
Dibakar Johori
Aman Singh
(Team o raakhle) MAMU himself

Also Read: Lockdown Series: Revisiting the 22 yards through the lens of BUKSS, writes Dr. Himabrata Das

**Dr. Himabrata Das, Registrar, Department of Psychiatry, Tezpur Medical College & Hospital (TMCH). Apart from this, he is a vivid lover of sports, an eloquent commentator and a columnist.