Local Academy Talent Plays Crucial Role in Kuldeep's Batting Resilience
As India were bowled out for 201 in their first innings of the ongoing second Test in Guwahati, Kuldeep Yadav's gritty batting performance emerged as a silver lining for the home team. The left-arm wrist spinner displayed remarkable resilience at Barsapara Cricket Stadium, facing 134 deliveries for his 19 runs - the most balls played by any Indian batter in the innings.
Partnership That Stabilized India's Innings
Yadav combined with Washington Sundar to build a crucial 72-run stand for the eighth wicket, temporarily arresting India's slide during a challenging batting session. Their partnership provided much-needed stability to the Indian innings against a disciplined South African bowling attack.
What few knew was that behind Yadav's determined display with the bat stood a young local talent from the ACA Cricket Academy. Rahul Tamuli, an under-19 leg-spinner and batter, had the privilege of bowling to Kuldeep Yadav at the nets on the eve of Guwahati's historic Test match.
Dream Come True for Young Academy Players
"I am a leg-spinner, so Kuldeep Yadav is one of my favorite players," Tamuli shared with excitement. "It's incredible to be here witnessing the action live during Guwahati's first-ever Test match. I had the opportunity to bowl to Kuldeep and Mohammed Siraj during their net practice session on Friday."
The young cricketer from Sibsagar district didn't stop there. He also tested his skills against South African batsman Tony de Zorzi during the visitors' practice session. "Watching international players up close, just feet away, has been an incredible learning experience. I hope to incorporate some of their techniques into my own game development," Tamuli added.
For Avinav Choudhury, another academy mate and fellow spinner, this exposure represents a golden opportunity. "This is a fantastic chance for us to observe the game and learn from the best," said the Lakhimpur native.
Balancing Academics and Cricket Dreams
The young cricketers have been regularly attending the match from their ACA Cricket Academy base in Fulung, North Guwahati. "We've been coming to the stadium since Day 1," Choudhury explained. "We missed Day 2 because we had our own match to play. We reside in the academy hostel and study through open schooling - all of us are currently in 12th standard."
He gestured toward his friends, Nandan Pator (opening batter) and Pranab Gogoi (medium pacer and middle-order batter), who shared similar enthusiasm for the learning opportunity.
Gogoi, also hailing from Sibsagar district, emphasized the value of observing international players. "By focusing on how international players approach their game, how they prepare during practice sessions and warm-up routines, we can significantly improve our own game. We aim to learn from these experiences and implement those lessons in our development," he stated.
With all these young talents aspiring to wear the Indian colors someday, the experience of witnessing Guwahati's inaugural Test match promises to elevate their game to new heights and inspire their cricketing journeys forward.
