In 2007, Pritam Das from Silchar became the first pace bowler from Assam to pick five-wicket in a Ranji Trophy debut. Then, Mukhtar Hussain picked five in his debut and today, the momentous feat was achieved by another paceman from Silchar. Dibakar Johri, playing his first Ranji Trophy match for Assam, picked five wickets against Mumbai in Mumbai.
Assam had their back against the wall with the batting order collapsing for abysmal 84 in the first innings. Prithvi Shaw started well and was looking set for another century in the campaign but he became the first ever Ranji Trophy wicket for Dibakar Johri. Then Johri picked wickets of International Player and Mumbai captain, Ajinkya Rahane, International all rounder and a member of the ICC World Cup runners up team of 2023, Shardul Thakur, all rounder for Mumbai, Tanush Kotian and Chennai Super Kings all rounder Tushar Deshpande.
“It is nothing but a dream debut. I congratulate Dibakar for making this dream debut and at the same time wish him a long and consistent career,” said Pritam Das who had also picked a five wicket haul in his debut.
“It is a great time for Silchar DSA with four players who play from Silchar are playing in the eleven and performing at the top level,” added Das while speaking with Barak Bulletin.
The speed star popularly known as Cachar Express has played consistently at the First Class level for a decade. He leads the Silchar team at inter-district cricket tournaments in the State. “It felt great to see Parvez scoring a century in his debut and now Dibakar picking a five-wicket haul. I had a word with him before the match. All the players dream for a State selection and it is really difficult to find a spot in the team as there are so many players trying to be in the eleven. When you get selected and perform, it becomes a dream come true moment for the players,” opined Pritam Das.
While Dibakar Johri’s outstanding performance makes this match memorable for the people of Barak Valley, Assam’s struggles in Ranji Trophy continues. Dropping an experienced Sarupam Purkayastha in a crucial match in Mumbai against the table toppers exposed the inexperienced batting lineup. After getting dismissed for 84 in the first innings, Assam got bundled out 108. Rahul Singh who incurred a serious injury during the match, could not bat and remained absent hurt. Mumbai won the match with an innings and 80 runs making it one of the worst Ranji Trophy campaigns of recent times for Assam.
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