Despite failing to secure a single victory in the Elite Group C of the Vijay Hazare Trophy this season, the Sikkim cricket team's three-week campaign in Jaipur is being viewed not as a failure, but as a crucial step forward. The team, facing seven stronger opponents, finished at the bottom of the group as anticipated. However, the experience has armed them with a clearer vision and a tangible roadmap for future competitiveness in domestic cricket.
A Dream Day Against Mumbai and Rohit Sharma
The defining moment of their campaign came early. On December 24, at a packed Sawai Mansingh Stadium under lights, they faced the mighty Mumbai side. Indian captain Rohit Sharma unleashed a blistering 155 runs off just 94 balls against them. Yet, Sikkim's response is what sparked belief. They refused to surrender meekly, posting a respectable total of 236 runs, providing the underdogs with a solid foundation to build upon.
"It was a dream day for the team. For every Sikkim player, playing against Rohit Sharma was a dream come true. It was also a moment of pride for us that we scored 236 against Mumbai in front of around 20,000 spectators," said Sikkim coach Bikash Pradhan.
Building Confidence and Identifying the Gap
Pradhan emphasized that the campaign proved the gap with established teams can be bridged. He pointed to other competitive performances, like scoring 247/7 while chasing 310 against Goa, and putting up a strong fight against Uttarakhand. "It gave us a lot of confidence that we can also match some of the best teams if we can improve our local cricket," he stated. The team management believes a significant push will come from enhanced infrastructure.
Currently, cricket in Sikkim is largely centered in Rangpo, which has a floodlit ground that has hosted BCCI matches. Two more grounds are being developed at the same premises. "In a couple of months, we’ll have three grounds. We have six districts and if we improve facilities, we can conduct regular inter-district tournaments," explained Sikkim manager Rajen Gurung. He also confirmed that indoor cricket facilities are on the horizon, with strong support from the BCCI.
Momentum Extends to Women's Cricket and Future Hopes
The positive momentum is not confined to the men's team. The Sikkim women's team recently won the plate division of the BCCI Senior Women’s T20 Trophy, securing the state's first national cricket title. This success story adds to the growing belief in the region's cricketing potential.
With the Sikkim Cricket Association advertising for a professional coach and cricket director, the future looks hopeful. Captain Lee Yong Lepcha sounded optimistic about the impact of expert guidance. "If we can get a quality coach, nothing can stop us from being competitive," he said. The Jaipur stint, though devoid of wins, has provided invaluable exposure and a clear blueprint, turning a challenging tournament into a foundational chapter for Sikkim cricket.
