Players who Shined for Assam

Name Description
Abani Hazarika He was one of the most accomplished batsman Assam has ever produced. A stylish left hander middle order batsmen, Hazarika scored 1217 runs in 61 innings in 32 First Class Matches. He scored a century (101) against Orissa in 1963 andd six half centuries in Ranji Trphy. His high quality fielding helped the team on many occasions. He later became selector of Junior Indian Cricket Team.
Badal Thakur (Dwipen) With 566 runs and 26 wickets in his kitty, he proved himself as an allounder. He was also counted as one of the best Assam Captains with a tremendous quality of controlling the team. Making his appearance for first time in 1952 against Orissa, Thakur represented Assam in 17 matches in East Zone Ranji Trophy Matches. His 96 against Orissa in 1964 was a class innings. Had he batted with some more he would have reached the triple figure mark and also helped the State to finish on a winning note. The match ended in a draw, Assam required only four runs to go through the match.
Madhurya P Baruah With tremendous consistency, he was one of the most dependable openers in the history of Asam Ranji Trophy. Hailing from Jorhat with a solid family background, Baruah was nurtured at home by his father Sashi Prasad Baruah. Critics believe, had luck favoured him a little he would have made it to the Indian Test Team in 1964. He had 1612 runs in his kitty with one century and 10 half centuries in First Class Cricket. He was the first Assamese player to represent the Indian School Team. This former Captain of Assam Ranji Team met his premature death on March 1, 2000.
Aswin Rajbangshi Assam has produced very limited numbers of quality medium pacers and Aswini Rajbangshi is one of them. Making his Ranji Trophy debut in 1954-5 against Bihar he captured 88 wickets from 713.2 overs. He is the first bowler from Assam to bag more than 50 wickets in Ranji Trophy. He was a master of outswing. He could also bowl off spin. He was at the peak of his career during 1957-58 and 1960-61 seasons where took seven wickets against opponents Orissa and Bihar giving 39 and 37 runs respectively, in one innings. He made his last Ranji appearance against Bengal in 1964-65. He breathed his last on 28th February 2002.
SK Giridhari He was first player from the State to find a place in the Indian Cricket Book as a double century maker. Giridhari scored 229 against Orissa in 1957. He played for Sindh, Maharastra and west Bengal before donning Assam colours. This right handed middle order batsman played only six matches for Assa. In 11 innings, he scored 606 runs which was studded with a double century, a century and a half century. He also captured 26 wickets for Assam with his off-spinners. Overall, Giridhari scored 2436 runs and captured 196 wickets in 48 first class matches.
Tapan Baruah He was the captain of Assam Ranji team in 1958-59 season. Baruah was an opening batsman for his team. He represented Assam in 13 Ranji Trophy Matches and scored 538 runs. Making his debut in 1957-58 season against Orrisa he shouldered the responsibility of perfect opener and played some compact innings. His 50 against Orissa at Cuttack in 1959 was a praiseworthy innings for which he also got selected to represent East Zone to play against the visiting West Indies.
Sunil Bhattacharya An opening bowler of the Assam Ranji Team in mid-1960s, he was right arm medium pacer with deadly out swing. He was a leading wicket taker for Assam with 52 dismissals giving away 1708 runs in 23 matches. This medium pacer caused headache for the rival batsman as his swingers use to beat them outside the off stump quite often.
Ram Prakash Kapoor This ever dependable middle order batsman had scored three centuries for Assamin Ranji Trophy Matches which had been a record. Before settling in Guwahati, Kapoor played for Delhi school team and represented Orissa I Ranji Trophy. A fromer employee of NF Railway, Kapoor was master of all the batting techniques with superb match temperament. His team mates said that he was a perfect team man with a vastknowledge of the game. This Right Handed batsman has scored 857 runs in 15 Ranji Trophy matches for Asam with an average of 40.81. His overall Ranji Record is: 1315 runs in 26 matches Kapoor died on January 22, 1988.
Anup Ghatak The lanky medium pacer has the distinction of becoming the first bowler from Assam to capture hundred wickets in Ranji Trophy. Ghatak served the Assam Ranji team from 1963 to 1977 as an opening bowler. During this period he played 36 first class matches capturing 125 wicket giving away 2831 runs. He was the most respected bolwer in East Zone during his playing days.
Khakan Ahmed A useful allrounder of 1960s, Khakhan Ahmed was a gentle medium pacer with deadly inswingers. Making his Ranji debut in 1964 against Orissa in Guwahati, Ahmed scored 665 runs in 40 innings with 88 being his highest score against Bihar in Dhanbad. He had also 30 wickets in his name. He was an engineer in the State PWD. Ahmed died at an early age of 45 years in 1988.
Nandan Bezbaruah This opening batsman from Jorhat started his Ranji career with the match against Bihar in 1967. This former captain of the Assam Ranji Team later flourished into an able administrator and became the Secretary of the Asssam Cricket Association. During his tenure Assam reached the knock out stage of Ranji Trophy for the first time in 1992-93. Bezbaruah represented Assam in 16 Ranji Trophy matches and scored 382 runs with 59 being the highest.
Naren Sabhapandit Assam produced very few quality spinners and Naren was one amongst them. He started playing for the State since 1967. An Off spin bowler, Sabhapandit captured 65 wickets in 28 matches. He was also a useful batsman down the order and scored 328 runs. Sabhapandit’s score of 48 against Bihar in 1973 was his highest Ranji score. His younger brother Dhruba Sabhapandit was also a ranji Player
Prabir Hazarika The captain of Assam Ranji Team forur seasons between 1972-73 and 1983-84, Prabir Hazarika was a stylish opener. His leadership quality made him a respectable cricketer not only in Assam but also in the entire East Zone. Making his debut in 1968 against Orissa as an opener, he later shifted to middle order and played several courageous innings for the State. This leading cricketer scored 1109 runs in 33 matches, 76 against Orissa being the highest.
Bimal Bharali One of the most prolific run getters for Assam in Ranji Trophy. A dependable middle order batsman, Bharali showed his class in the MCC-East Zone three Day match at Nehru Stadium, Guwahati in 1976 where he remained unbeaten on 41 and saved the match for the East Zone. He scored 1240 runs from 59 innings with two centuries and four fifties. Bharali was also the captain of Asssam ranji team in 1976-77,1977-78,1980-81 and 1981-82 seasons.
Amal Das This dedicated cricketer showed his temperament on many occasions while playing for Assam in Ranji Trophy. The elder brother of Kamal Das, Amal was the Captain of Assam Team for six seasonsbetween 1982-83 to 1991-92. A middle order batsman and off spinner, Amal Das started his Ranji career in 1972-73 season and played his last Ranji match in 1991-92 seasonagainst Bengal. Amal Das scored 1212 runs in 42 Ranji matches and captured 12 wickets
Kamal Das This stocky right handed middle order batsman had been one of the most accomplished players in the history of Assam Cricket. Kamal Das was the Captain of the East Zone school team and was the member of the East Zone team which played against visiting MCC team at Guwahati in 1976. He was a good allrounder with effective off spinners. Later he became the coach of the Assam Ranji team and selector of the Indian Junior team. An engineering graduate, Kamal Das devoted sufficient time for the betterment of Assam Cricket. Playing in 25 matches Kamal Das scored 715 runs and captured 35 wickets.
Munna Kakoty This well built medium pacer from Guwahati has 59 Ranji wickets and 415 runs in his kitty of 31 matches. Counted as one of the most dreaded medium pacers in Assam, Kakoty had the opportunity to open the East Zone attack against MCC in 1976 with Bengal’s Barun Barman. An employee of NF Railway, Kakoti has been associated with various coaching centers and offering his service for the development of cricket in the State.
Naba Konwar This stocky allrounder was one of the most useful player Asam has ever produced. A left arm medium pacer and a right handed lower order hard hitting batsman, Konwar has the distinction of capturing 96 wickets and scoring 615 runs with one century in 27 matchees played during 1980-89. An engineer by profession, Konwar was also a prominent cricketer in his school days and represented Assam School team on several occasions.
Sumit Dutta A former captain of the Assam Ranji Team, Dutta was an opener. Starting his Ranji career in the year 1981 he played 26 matches for the State and scored 1066 runs. An employee of NF Railway, Dutta later became a selector of the Assam Cricket Association. He is an active member of NF Railway Sports Association and offered his service in setting up a cricket coaching centre at Maligaon.
Satyagopal Chakravorty Assam has produced very few quality spinners. Satyagopal Chakravorty was one among them. He is one of the leading wicket takers for Assam as a right arm off spinner in Ranji Trophy. Making his debut in the season 1982-83, this spinner had played 44 Ranji Trophy matches and took 77 wickets. An employee of the NF Railway, Satyagopal Chakravorty later became a selector of the State Junior and senior Team.
Rajesh Bora This stock middle order batsman is one of the most successful player till date in the history of Assam Cricket. Rajesh Bora scored over 3000 runs in the Ranji Trophy with five centuries. His 235 against Bihar in 1992 is his highest score. Starting his Ranji career in the year 1983 at the age of 17 years, he maintained consistency and had been able to draw respect from all the East Zone Bowlers. He also toured Australia in 1986-87 with the young Indian U-19 team and performed well for the country. He also played for Indian Railways in the Ranji Trophy. His overall record is 3447 runs and 28 wickets in 66 first class matches.
Zaheer Iqbal Alam This opening batsman has the distinction of creating a record with lalchand Rajput by scoring 475 runs for the second wicket partnership against Tripura at Neheru Stadium, Guwahati in 1991-92 season. Zaheer’s individual score was 257, while Rajput scored 239 in Assam’s massive total of 684 for seven. Zaheer, even though was an able opener, also palyed as middle order batsman on several occasions. He played the first ranji Trophy match against Bihar in 1988-89 and represented Asssam in 22 matches scoring 1389 runs with two centuries.This record holder cricketer met premature death on 30th may 2012,at an early age of 42 years
Rajinder Singh The right hand batsman and right arm medium pacer is one of the most successful all rounder of the Assam Ranji team. He scored 2474 runs and took 58 wickets in 49 first class matches. He has 3 centuries and 11 half centuries in his name. He played 30 List A matches for Assam and scored 626 runs with one century and captured 15 wickets.
Gautam Dutta He is the only all rounder from the state till date to achieve the rare double. The southpaw speed star from Guwahati was capable of gathering useful runs for the team when required. Gautam is also familiar for his delightful, hard hitting batsman ship. With 142 wickets in his kitty best being 9/52 and 1654 runs against tripura at Guwahati in 1991-92 season. He played 44 List A matches for Assam and took 51 wickets and scored 524 runs. Gautam led Assam 1993-94 and 1996-97 sessions.This promising player toured South Africa with the India U-19 team in 1993.He also represented east zone in all the major tournaments of the country.
Lalchand Rajput This Indian Test opener from Mumbai joined Assam ranji Team in 1991-92 season and had been the most prolific run getter for the State in the premier national championship. He scored 239 against Tripura in 1991 and along with Zaheer IqbalAlam created a record by scoring 475 for the second wicket partnership. With the contributions of players like him Assam managed to to reach the knock out stage of the Ranji Trophy for the first time in 1992-93 season and played against Tamil Nadu. The youngstars of the State had the opportunity to learn a lot from this batsman. He palyed for Assam in 12 Ranji Trophy matches and scored 1135 runs with three centuries and eight half centuries.
Chandrakant Pandit This former Test Cricketer from Mumbai joined Assam ranji Team in 1992-93 alongwith another Test Player Lalchand Rajput, also form Mumbai and helped Assam in reaching the knock-out stage of the Ranji Trophy for the first time with their ample experience. The wicket keeper batman ably guided the local youngstars and taught them how to apply themselves in big league. Several local players like Rajinder Singh, Zakaria Zuffri, Zaheer Iqbal Alam gained from Pandit’s vast experience. Pandit later shifted to Madhya Pradesh and acted there as coach-cum-player with graet deal of success. He palyed seven Ranji Trophy matches for Assam and scored 323 runs with one century and two half centuries.
Sayed Zakaria Zuffri Perhaps the best wicketkeeper batsman the State has ever produced. Making his Ranji Trophy debut for Assam in 1992, Zakaria has been a regular member of the State Team with laudable contributions. For four seasons from 1994 to 1997 he represented Indian Railways and played in the Central Zone Ranji Trophy. He hit 107 against Tamil Nadu in 1966 for Indian railways, 144 against Orissa (1999-2000) and 99 against Karnataka (for Indian Railways). It is believed that his consistency as a wicketkeeper batsman should have earned him a place in the Indian Senior Team. He has scored 3037 runs and took 150 catches and made 21 stumping in 76 first class matches. He played 48 list A matches and scored 1179 runs with 46 catches and 15 stumping
Javed Zaman One of the most successful pace bowlers in the history of Assam Cricket. Born and brought up at Dhubri, Javed was selected to play for the Board’s President’s XI against the visiting Australian team in 2000.He represented India u/19 team to England in 1994. He captured 122 first class wickets from 47 matches. Apart from playing for Assam, Javed represented Indian Railways Team.
Subhrajit Saikia A stylish left handed opening batsman scored more than 2000 runs (2023) as an opener in First Class Tournament is a rare feet in Assam’s cricket history. The dependable opener of Assam, has played 43 Ranji Trophy matches, scored 2 ( two) centuries and 10 (ten) half centuries. He represented East Zone in Duleep Trophy and Deadhar Trophy tournament. His debut match in Ranji Trophy was in Pre Quarter final match against Karnataka at M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore. He played his last Ranji Trophy match against Maharastra at Aurangabad on Dec.13-15, 2004 after a decade of service to the State team. On retirement from the FC Cricket he has taken keen interest in Coaching and passed BCCI Level II Coaching and engaged himself in Coaching the Senior and Junior Teams of the State.
Parag Das A solid Right Handed opening batsman, an employee of NF Railway, Parag has the capability of hitting all round the wicket. Parag played the role of an useful medium pacer and got some success in Ranji Trophy matches. From 43 matches he scored 1936 runs with one century against Bengal and fifteen fifties. He also played 32 List A matches and scored 575 runs and captured 17 wickets.
Sukhvinder Singh This Delhi-based allrounder joined Assam Ranji Team in the 1996-97 season. A gusty player, Sukhvinder has played several match-saving innings for Assam. He was also selected to represent India B team in Challenger Trophy 2000-01. A left arm spinner and right handed batsman,this player served the State team with great deal of sincereity. Making his Ranji debut for Delhi in 1986-87, Sukhvinder was also a member of the Junior Indian team which toured Australia in 1985-86. Overall Sing played 47 First Class Matches scored 2076 runs highest being 167 with 4 centuries and 10 fifties and captured 148 wickets.He played 30 List A matches for Assam and scored 419 runs and took 38 wickets.
Arlen Konwar One of the most successful Off spinner of the State and is the only player who has captured more than 200 wickets in the Ranji Trophy/FC matches. He now holds the record of highest wicket taker in First class cricket in Assam, 212 wickets form 69 First class matches. After playing his first Ranji Trophy match against Bihar at Keenan Stadium, Jamshedpur, he realized that he needs to undergo a special training to go to the next level. Accordingly, Assam Cricket Association, sent him to BS Bedi’s camp at Ludhiana for 2 months training. Following his training in his first Ranji match way back in 2002-03, he took 6 wickets against Orissa and thereafter he never looked back and sealed his position as a off spinner in the State Ranji team. Till last season 2016-17, Arlen played 69 First Class matches, 33 One Day matches and scalped 34 wickets and played 8(eight) T/20s matches and captured 5 wickets.