Out for a golden duck

Well the incident which I am going to narrate is not something very sweet. The very mention of that incident embarrasses the hell out of me, but still it remains one the most memorable incidents for me till date.

It was during the All-Assam Inter-School Cricket Tournament. Being the senior-most player of the team in regards to experience I was given the role of captaincy. I was quite excited by the decision and looking forward for getting on to the ground and exert my authority. So, the day came, when I could finally go for the toss. But before the match, I made a lot of preparation. I bought new kits, got a new haircut done and bought a pair of expensive shades. Now coming back to the match day, I took most of my friends to the ground including my girl friends and few of her pals. I went for the toss and elected to bat first.

Well, my team got to a good start and scoring runs briskly. But the good start came to a halt as two wickets tumbled back to back. So, it was time for me to go. With my new gear on, I was brimming with confidence. There was a roar from the dressing room area as the captain walked out. My friends were screaming out my name. I went to the crease and took my guard. The bowler was a left arm medium fast bowler. He delivered the ball around the wicket and sent in an absolute ripper which was virtually unplayable. The ball knocked off my leg stump. I scored a golden duck. I looked at the gallery and my friends were jeering at me apart from my girlfriend. Everyone knew what and all I did in run to this match. I felt so embarrassed that I did not even go back to the pavilion. I was awestruck. I could look into the eyes of anyone. I did not go back and joined my team from the boundary line for fielding. We won the match comprehensively and it was only after that was I able to talk to my teammates and my friends.

The incident still remains a fondest one and brings a smile on my if I think of it

Deepjyoti Das