Meghalaya spinner takes all 10 wickets in an innings

Nirdesh Baisoya, 15, conceded 51 runs (21 overs) while bagging 10 wickets as Meghalaya dismissed Nagaland for 113 on day one of the U-16 Vijay Merchant Trophy.

Nirdesh Baisoya after picking up 10 wickets in an innings against Nagaland in Tezpur on Wednesday.

 

Meghalaya off-spinner Nirdesh Baisoya claimed 10 wickets in the U-16 Vijay Merchant Trophy fixture against Nagaland at the Assam Valley School ground in Tezpur on Wednesday.

The 15-year-old conceded just 51 runs in 21 overs as Meghalaya dismissed Nagaland for 113 on day one.

“Earlier in the innings, the conditions were favouring the bowlers and it just turned out to be a lucky day for me. I am glad that my team supported me and we made the most of the first hour of play. Wicket mein thoda moisture tha, hum uska fayda uthaye (there was moisture and we took advantage),” Nirdesh told Sportstar .

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The youngster had moved to Meghalaya from Uttar Pradesh two years ago as a guest player.

Having grown up in Meerut, Nirdesh trains under Sanjay Rastogi — the one who coached India internationals Praveen Kumar and Bhuvneshwar Kumar. “I have been training under Rastogi sir since childhood and I train regularly at the Victoria Park in Meerut,” he said.

That’s how Nirdesh got an opportunity to meet Bhuvneshwar and Praveen. “They would come and train during off-season and whenever they are here, they make sure to give us tips. I keep meeting Bhuvi bhai and he has helped me,” said Nirdesh, who is a fan of Australia off-spinner Nathan Lyon.

Coming from a middle-class family, cricket was not his first choice. But he fell in love with the sport quickly. His father works with the Noida Authority and mother is a homemaker. “I want to make my presence felt and do well at the domestic level. That’s my target,” he said.

The youngster’s dream figures of 10/51 has put Meghalaya on top. After dismissing Nagaland for a paltry total, it ended the day at 109/4.