"Everything clicked at right time": Denish Das leads Barpeta Braves to back-to-back wins in Assam Premier League
Guwahati, August 8
An unbeaten 72 off just 45 balls from captain Denish Das set the tone for Barpeta Braves' 70-run win over Nagaon Rangers in the Imperial Blue Packaged Drinking Water Assam Premier League.
The result continued the side's turnaround after a slow start to the campaign. Having lost their opening two fixtures, Barpeta Braves have now strung together back-to-back victories, with the bowlers making light work of the chase on the day - Bikiran Das (4/13) and Shubham Kumar Gupta (3/8) sharing seven wickets to bowl Nagaon Rangers out for 100, according to a release.
For Das, the result was as much about the collective effort as his own innings. The Barpeta Braves captain was quick to credit his side's temperament through what had been a difficult opening phase of the tournament. "The team is feeling very relaxed after getting the first win of the tournament. Hats off to the boys because they remained really positive throughout these days and I'm very happy for them," he said.
Reflecting on his own innings, which included four boundaries and sixes, was built on a method he leans on match after match. Rather than overthinking the situation, Das trusted his natural game. "Normally, I believe in myself and back my instinct. That's what I tell myself every day, and today everything clicked at the right time," he mentioned.
Beyond the result, Das was equally reflective on what the tournament represents for players across Assam. Das reckoned, "Obviously, it is a huge platform and we want to thank the ACA for giving us such a huge opportunity. There are scouts coming to these matches and people are also watching us on television, so it provides us with a great chance to progress in our career."
With the Duleep Trophy awaiting him once this tournament concludes, Das isn't allowing the bigger stage to change his approach. Currently placed fourth on the batting charts with 126 runs at a strike rate of over 144, his focus remains on the process rather than the occasion. "There is not much pressure because I play to enjoy the game. My focus will remain on trying to perform throughout the tournament and let's see what comes after that," he says.
Meanwhile, his side Barpeta Braves sit third on the table with 4 points from four matches, and Denish Das's blend of calm and instinct at the crease is proving central to their revival in the tournament. (ANI).
— ANI
Reader Comments
Great to see Assam cricket growing like this. The ACA deserves credit for organising such a platform where local players can showcase their talent in front of scouts. Denish's humility in crediting the team shows real leadership qualities. 🌟
Bowlers need equal credit here! Bikiran Das with 4/13 and Shubham Kumar Gupta with 3/8 absolutely demolished Nagaon Rangers. 70-run win is a statement result. This Barpeta team is looking dangerous now after those early losses. 👏
As someone who follows cricket beyond the international scene, this is genuinely exciting. The Assam Premier League is proving to be a proper breeding ground for talent. Denish's approach of backing his instinct while staying process-oriented is exactly what modern cricket demands.
Honestly, it's refreshing to see a captain who doesn't get overwhelmed by the occasion. "I play to enjoy the game"—that's the kind of mindset that produces match-winning knocks. Also, 126 runs at 144+ strike rate is seriously impressive numbers. All the best for Duleep Trophy, Denish! 🙌
The growth of regional T20 leagues in India is remarkable. This isn't just about entertainment—it's genuinely changing careers for young cricketers in places like Assam. Denish Das is a name to remember, especially with the Duleep Trophy coming up. His maturity at the crease is beyond his years.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.