The rising star of Assam Cricket - Rahul Hazarika

Rahul Hazarika practices ahead of Assam’s Ranji Trophy tie against Delhi

How often do we associate Assam with cricket or rather North East with cricket? This part of India is often known for their passion for football but rarely do we hear about someone doing extremely well in cricket. And even if someone manages to shine out of the region in cricket, national media fails to reach out and the name fades out with time.

Cricket is a serious business in India and even if a player scores a century in a school cricket tournament in India, it becomes headlines in the media. Not to forget, it was a school tournament which brought Sachin Tendulkar his first claim to fame.

The case, however, isn’t that straight for Assam. Just like any other part of India, the state is full of cricket aspirants who dreams of making it to the Indian team. But unfortunately, no one has ever been able to do so.

Lately, Assam cricket seems to be doing really well with the Ranji team winning crucial matches against Rajasthan and Haryana while also claiming a draw against defending champions Karnataka. The team is infused with youngsters who have been doing really well of late. One such player is Rahul Hazarika, who made his Ranji debut in the win against Haryana recently.

He might be nowhere in the news, but Rahul has managed to score two double centuries and one century in the ongoing CK Nayudu Trophy - a performance that has earned him a place in the senior team of the state.

Right from his school days, Rahul has been dubbed as the future of Assam cricket and has often been burdened with the expectation of him breaking into the Indian cricket team. And this season, with his performances, he has taken his first step in this quest.

Assam might not have qualified into the next round of CK Nayudu Trophy, but it does boast of having the top scorer of the tournament up till now and its none other than Rahul Hazarika.

In 4 matches and 8 innings, Hazarika has scored 664 runs with a top score of 222 not out against Chhattisgarh. He also scored 209 against Orissa and a quick fire 113 against Orissa in Assam’s opening match.

A batsman from Assam doing so well is a rare feat. According to Rahul, the state also has the best bowling line-up in the country at present, but batsmen often fail to live up to the mark outside the state. Speaking exclusively to Sportskeeda, Rahul said, “Pitches in Assam are really slow while outside are relatively flat. Hence, they often struggle outside.”

Rahul has been exceptional since his school days. He played his first district level match when he was in the seventh standard. While he played his first state level (U-15) match next year in the eighth standard. He represented Shrimanta Shankar Academy, Guwahati in school cricket was a local star.

A product of City Cricket Coaching Centre, Dispur, which is also run and managed by his dad Gautam Hazarika, 22-year-old Rahul has his aim set since a long time. “I wish to play for India and will really work hard to do so.”

On being asked about players from the state not getting requisite media attention, Rahul said, “They never expect someone from Assam doing well. Hopefully, things will change soon.” Furthermore, Rahul requested the state association to be more supportive.

In his debut match against Haryana, which was a low scoring affair, Rahul could not show his full potential. He was the second highest scorer for the team in the first innings, but he has the potential to do a lot better.

Assam defeated table toppers Delhi in Guwahati today where Hazarika’s 59 runs in the second innings helped Assam chase down 168 runs target set by the visitors. The local boy is really performing good and we hope he makes it big in his second Ranji outing.