It was 2012 when I first came to know of the sport “Leg Cricket”. At an event in our school, a number of new sports were demonstrated. We had to form a team to take part in the first National Leg Cricket Championship. That is how I came to know of the sport. Though I could not take part in the first nationals because of fitness issue, I made it to the second edition that was organised in Ambala in 2013.
It was the 2nd Senior National T-10 Leg Cricket Championship at Ambala, Haryana in May, 2013 and I was playing my debut match and I was pretty much nervous. Chasing a total of 113 runs, Team Odisha openers failed to perform and I was sent to the ground at No. 3 at that time. I looked at the scoreboard and we had to chase 73 runs in 5 overs. We had already lost two wickets. I was just instructed to hit and by circumstances I got the license to thrill. I took my team to victory in just 3 overs, as I scored a half century on my debut in just 15 balls and finished with a score of 53. Rest of the runs was scored by my partner.
For this stormy performance and a brilliant knock I was chosen directly in Team India U-19 side. Because of my stellar performance, I was straightaway chosen as captain for the first Indo-Nepal Leg Cricket Series held at Kathmandu in 2013.
It was most memorable moment of my life.
By Chandan Ray
India's U-19s Captain at Leg Cricket Fedration of India
