Young Cricketers Thrilled by Test Match Experience in Guwahati

A group of young cricketers in Guwahati experienced the thrill of watching a Test match at the ACA Stadium. They shared their excitement and insights on how observing professional players can enhance their skills. Rahul Tamuli, a trainee, expressed his joy at bowling to renowned players like Kuldeep Yadav and Mohammed Siraj. Former cricketer Shankar Datta Lahkar emphasized the importance of learning from such experiences and fostering a culture of appreciation for Test cricket. This event is seen as a significant opportunity for the youth to develop their understanding of the game.

By Narendra Chaudhary Nov 26, 2025, 11:35 IST

Excitement at the Test Match

Guwahati, Nov 26: A group of enthusiastic young cricketers, although not the most ardent fans of Test cricket, were visibly excited as they enjoyed the atmosphere at the ongoing Test match held at the Assam Cricket Association (ACA) Stadium.

Rahul Tamuli, a leg spinner and middle-order batsman training at the ACA Academy in Fulung, described the experience as a dream come true. He had the chance to bowl in the nets to some of his favorite players.

“It was an incredible experience for me. I bowled in the nets with Kuldeep Yadav and Mohammed Siraj batting. I also bowled to South Africa's Tony de Zorzi. It was truly amazing,” Rahul shared at the stadium.

While most of these young athletes primarily follow limited-overs formats, they acknowledged that Test cricket tests their temperament in unique ways.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for us to observe the game and learn,” said the 17-year-old, with fellow trainees Avinav Choudhury, Nandan Pator, and Pranab Gogoi nodding in agreement.

Pranab, who plays as a medium pacer and middle-order batsman, noted that watching the match closely allows them to grasp how professionals approach their game. “By focusing on the match, we can enhance our skills, especially by observing how players prepare, warm up, and strategize,” he explained.

Shankar Datta Lahkar, a former cricketer from Assam who also played table tennis and football, expressed that the Test match would significantly influence the young players.

“It’s beneficial for young cricketers to watch, observe, and learn. We learned a lot just by watching. If athletes are perceptive, they will absorb valuable lessons,” Lahkar stated.

He emphasized that watching both teams in action would help them identify role models. “Naturally, they will look up to the South African players who have showcased exceptional cricket,” he remarked.

Regarding Guwahati hosting the Test match, Lahkar mentioned that it could foster a culture of appreciation for this format. “Test cricket is not like T20, where the focus is solely on sixes and fours. It requires an understanding of the game and an appreciation for the batters' techniques and the bowlers' endurance. Spectators also need patience to appreciate the finer aspects,” he noted.

Lahkar, who was a national table tennis player in the 1960s, reminisced about the challenges he faced balancing his studies, table tennis, and cricket. He participated in the 1967 National TT Championships in Guwahati but could not leave for cricket as the TT team did not permit it. He eventually joined the Assam Ranji team the following year.

He expressed hope that hosting a Test match would expand the game's reach. “Established centers already have a culture of watching Tests. This culture needs to be developed gradually,” he concluded.