APL 2026: Royals captain Das banks on home support to end Warriors' unbeaten streak
Guwahati, Aug 9
Guwahati Royals skipper Rishav Das said he is banking on strong home support for his side aims to hand table-toppers Dibrugarh Warriors their first defeat of the Assam Premier League 2026 season when the clash takes place at the Assam Cricket Association Stadium on Monday.
Unbeaten Warriors currently lead the standings with four wins from as many matches, while the Royals, who recently chased down 147 against Tezpur Titans, occupy the second spot with six points from four games. "The support for Guwahati Royals has been huge. Whenever we play our matches, we have seen a huge crowd coming into the stands to back us.
"Especially playing in Guwahati as the home team, we have really felt that support from the fans." Das said in a statement by the tournament on Sunday ahead of the top-of-the-table clash.
The Royals skipper has been in fine form this season, currently sitting fifth on the tournament's run-scoring charts with 123 runs at an average of 41 and a strike rate of 124.24. He also holds the joint-highest tally for fours (15) hit by a batter so far in the competition.
Das had previously led from the front with a match-winning 60 to guide his team to a five-wicket victory over Nagaon Rangers. "I am really happy with how we are performing as a team. Whenever the captain scores runs, the dressing room stays charged up. When you lead from the front and win games for your team, there is no better feeling than that," he added.
A victory on Monday would draw Guwahati Royals level on points with Dibrugarh Warriors, providing a significant boost as the inaugural edition of the tournament enters its crucial phase.
— IANS
Reader Comments
The Assam Premier League has been such a wonderful addition to our cricket calendar! 🏏 I've been following all matches, and Dibrugarh Warriors have looked unstoppable so far. But Das's leadership has been impressive - he's clearly leading from the front. Should be a thrilling contest on Monday!
While it's great to see local talent like Rishav Das performing, I wonder if the home support narrative is being overhyped. Warriors have won all four games away from home too. Cricket is about skill, not just crowd noise. Let's see if Royals can actually deliver on Monday.
So happy to see Assam's cricketing ecosystem growing! 🙌 The APL is giving young players a platform and fans are actually coming out in numbers. Rishav Das's strike rate of 124 is just what you need at the top. Good luck to both teams - may the best side win!
The bowling unit for Warriors is what's making the difference honestly. Four wins in a row isn't luck. Das scored runs but cricket is a team game - his top-order partners need to step up too. Expecting a cracker of a match at the Barsapara Stadium!
This is wonderful for our state! 🎉 Cricket fans in Guwahati have been waiting for something like this. Rishav Das saying he feels the home support is so relatable - there's nothing like playing in front of your own crowd. Hopefully the Royals can pull this off and make it a tight competition at the top.
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