Struggling for yrs, Palash a bright spark of domestic cricket

Bhopal: Last year, he was a standby for the Ranji team of Madhya Pradesh. Today, he is being compared to legend Anil Kumble. The 23-year-old, right arm leg-spinner from Ujjain, Palash Kochar, who was struggling as a cricketer for years, hit a high point in his fledgling career on Saturday. He made history in Indian domestic cricket by taking 10 wickets in an innings in a match of senior inter-division cricket tournament at Hoshangabad.MBA degree holder Palash never expected that the game that he started playing at the age of 9 would enable him to make it to record book of Indian domestic cricket even without playing a Ranji match.
Excerpts:
Q: You are being compared with Anil Kumble. How does it feel?
Palash: The only thing I have in common with Kumble is we are both spinners. Else, I stand nowhere compared to the legend. I have achieved something on domestic circuit, which he did in international cricket. It would not be fair to compare me with him. I have to learn a lot. I still have a long way to go.
Q Who is your ideal cricketer?
Palash: I am an avid follower of great Shane Warne. To me, he is the best leg spinner in the world. His bowling action and control over ball are superb. I have grown up watching his cricket matches on TV. It is my dream to meet him personally.
Q Who are your coaches?
Palash: I started learning cricket under Shailesh Sahni. He was the one, who had encouraged me to practice leg spin. He always gives me tips. Even today whenever I approach him in home town, he helps me. Apart from him, Amay Khurasiya, Mukesh Sahni and Sanjay Jagdale have been supportive in the academy of Madhya Pradesh Cricket Association (MPCA) in Indore. I am fortunate to have such people in life.
Q Were you upset when you were not selected in state Ranji team last year?
Palash: No, not at all. Selectors are senior and experts of the game. I only believe in giving my best whenever I am on ground. I am working hard and trying my best to get into the Ranji team as early as possible. I am hoping to get into the squad in next session.
Q Do you think MP has immense scope for budding cricketers?
Palash: Of course, there is great scope for any budding cricketer in this state. Our Ranji team had reached semifinal in last season. It gives a fair idea about the support budding cricketers get in the state. I will go on trying to earn a place in the team. I am confident of getting a berth in the Ranji team.