By Our Reporter
Shillong, March 13: Three talented young cricketers from Meghalaya have been handpicked by the All India Junior Selection Committee (U-16 Boys) of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to join the U-16 Boys Zonal Cricket Academy (ZCA) camps hosted by the National Cricket Academy (NCA).
Gaurav Jyoti Thakuria, Dipayan Nandi, and Apandanka Marak, standouts from the Meghalaya Cricket Association, have earned this prestigious opportunity based on their stellar performances during the recent U-16 boys Vijay Merchant Trophy.This season’s Vijay Merchant Trophy, which spanned from December 1, 2023, to January 6, 2024, witnessed Meghalaya’s commendable performance as the runners-up in the plate group. The exceptional display of skill and determination by these three players caught the attention of selectors, securing their positions in the upcoming ZCA camps.
Apandanka Marak emerged as a standout performer, ranking third nationwide in wicket-taking with an impressive tally of 48 scalps from seven matches. His remarkable average of 10.77 and a strike rate of 23.10 underscore his prowess on the field.
Gaurav Jyoti Thakuria also left an indelible mark, claiming 31 wickets in seven games with an average of 14.77 and a strike rate of 25.35, including several notable five-wicket hauls.
Dipayan Nandi showcased his batting prowess, amassing 393 runs across seven matches, with four half-centuries to his credit. His contributions placed him among the top 30 nationwide in terms of runs scored during the tournament.The ZCA camps, scheduled from April 19 to May 15, 2024, will be conducted in Surat, Cuttack, and Jaipur, providing these promising talents with invaluable guidance and training under the mentorship of esteemed coaches and faculty members from across the country. This opportunity marks a significant milestone in the journey of these young cricketers as they strive to further hone their skills and represent Meghalaya on the national stage.