Patna: It was 2001 when the Board of Cricket for Control in India (BCCI) withdrew the Bihar Cricket Association (BCA) affiliation, and Jharkhand was given full membership. After struggling for over 17 years, Bihar Cricket finally made it into the BCCI as a permanent member, and they were given back their affiliation in 2018. They were allowed to take part in competitive tournaments organized by the BCCI.
However, it took them close to four more years to finally get into the elite group. The state achieved this feat on Sunday after they outplayed Manipur by a huge margin of 220 runs in the Ranji Trophy Plate final. In an exclusive interview to ABP Live, Bihar cricket team captain Ashutosh Aman expressed his happiness and excitement.
'We Did It...'
“I am very happy. We had been trying for the last 3-4 years to get into the elite group. But unfortunately, we were not able to do it. But this season, the BCCI introduced a semi-final and final format and therefore we did it and qualified in the elite group,” the skipper said.
Bihar had started this season on a high but started to struggle later. However, despite losing one match and playing three draws, they kept up the fight to make it to the top 4.
“When this season started, we decided that we will give our best and will make it to the elite group. We started this season well, but mid-way, because of the dead tracks, we tied a few matches. But then our aim was to seal the spot in the top 4 and eventually if we win, we will surely qualify for the finals. As a team, everybody was thinking the same, we stepped onto the field as a collective unit and the result is there in front of us,” Aman said.
Aman Credits Coach For Win
The slow left-arm orthodox bowler also credited his coach, Pawan Kumar, for the feat, calling him a positive mentor. He said the coach has always been very supportive and encouraging.
“Our coaching staff has been very supportive throughout the season. Our coach always used to tell us to give our best. He did not ask us to go and hit a century or take 5 wickets. He just told us to focus on the process and give our 100 percent,” Aman told ABP Live.
Bihar's only defeat of the season came against Meghalaya in the freezing cold of Shillong. After the loss, the players were disappointed and thought they would not be able to make it to the top 4.
“When we lost the match and walked back to our changing room, everybody in the team was upset. They were disheartened by the thought that they will not be able to make it to the top 4. But then as a captain, I told them we played very well throughout the match, we just had one bad session and we lost it. I think the weather played a role in that match, as it was extremely cold and the ball started moving unconventionally. I told them, team wahi achchi hoti hai jo puraani baaton ko bhul kar achcha perform karey. Everybody agreed to whatever I said and we did it,” the captain said.
All Praise For Extraordinary Talent In Team
The Bihar Cricket Association has always been known for its unconventional team selection. Every season, they introduce hordes of players. Despite the waivers and change in players, they managed to win the Ranji Trophy Plate final against Manipur. Talking to ABP Live about this, Aman said: “It is not so difficult because in some way or the other we have played local matches together. As a captain, I know them, their strengths, and their weaknesses. And I always make them play as per their strength."
Ashutosh Aman is extremely delighted with the two stars of Bihar cricket — Bipin Saurabh and Sakibul Gani. Talented wicketkeeper-batsman Bipin scored 177 off 183 balls against Manipur.
“Bipin Saurabh is an extraordinary talent in Bihar. He has got a unique finesse of hitting big sixes. Be it a pacer or spinner, he can knock you out of the park anytime, anywhere. Soon, we all can see him playing in the IPL (Indian Premier League). He is a useful wicketkeeper too,” the slow left-arm spinner opined.
According to Aman, Sakibul Gani is Bihar’s backbone. Gani had smashed 341 on his Ranji debut in the previous season. He scripted history against Mizoram. In this season also, he amassed 205 and helped Bihar outplay Manipur.
“Sakibul Gani is a talented player of our team. He has been making headlines for the last couple of years in the domestic circuit. He is very dedicated and focused,” the proud captain said.
Hope For Another Good Season
Now that Bihar will be seen playing in the Elite Group next season, Aman told ABP Live about his team’s preparations.
“For the upcoming season, since most of the players of our team have already played white ball cricket in the elite group. They know the standard of the elite format. I have addressed and asked them to be prepared and always focus on the process. I want all of them to improve as a player. Hopefully, next year we will again play some good cricket,” the Bihar skipper signed off.