Shillong, Nov 12: Two matches. Seven overs. 42 balls. 1 wicket.That is all it took for Himan Phukan to impress five times Indian Premier League (IPL) champions Mumbai Indians (MI).
Phukan is now the first player from Meghalaya to earn a trial with an IPL team. “The day I got a call from Mumbai Indians was just as ordinary as any day on a tour,” said an elated Phukan while talking exclusively to The Shillong Times. “But I will never forget this ordinary day.”
“I just knew that I bowled alright and was satisfied with my bowling performances in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, but to earn a trial for MI is just beyond belief,” Phukan expressed.
Phukan had made his debut for Meghalaya in the game where Meghalaya dominated a seasoned Tripura side. However, his efforts with the ball against Arunachal Pradesh that saw him return with figures of 1/14 impressed the scouts from MI. “I didn’t even know that IPL selectors were present in the ground during our last match,” said Phukan.
“The day after the match we were leaving for Shillong… and like I said, it was just a normal day. I was travelling in the bus with my team mates when the manager (Chiang D Shira) of the team called one of the team officials and asked us to gather round the phone.
“Sir (Shira) said that he had some good news for the team and said that an IPL team is interested in one of our players. We were asked to guess who the player was and all of us guessed that Kishan (Lyngdoh) is the player,” Phukan said.
“Imagine the shock when Chiang sir (Shira) told that the MI selectors were offering me a trial,” Phukan continued. Phukan was not picked for the first three games that Meghalaya played in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, but that did not faze the young leg spinner.
“I was confident that the captain and the team management would give a game at some point. I had performed well during our camp in Pondicherry and was in good rhythm. I just knew that I had to grab the opportunity whenever it presented,” he said. Phukan who had earlier represented Meghalaya in the Under 23 age categories said he picked up cricket late.
“I always loved cricket. I played tennis ball cricket all the time. However, it was only in 2019 that I started playing with the season ball. I was selected up for the U-23 side in my first trial for the state. I hope to emulate the same when I go for the trials at Mumbai,” Phukan told The Shillong Times.
“Himan (Phukan) earning a trial is a huge thing for Meghalaya cricket and I’m really proud of his achievements,” Meghalaya pacer Akash Choudhary said while speaking to The Shillong Times. “Himan’s trial means that cricket is heading towards the right direction. It motivates us (the players) to do well so that many more of us can be associated with the IPL,” Akash said.
