‘ISPL has given tennis ball cricket stature and respect,’ says Chennai Singams’ Devid Gogoi

“The Indian Street Premier League has given tennis ball cricket stature and respect,” said Devid Gogoi, the lone Assam player in Chennai Singams’ squad for the second edition of the popular T10 league.

Last season’s semi-finalists, Chennai Singams will kickstart their campaign with a match against Falcon Risers Hyderabad on January 27, the second day of the 21-day-long extended season at the Dadoji Konddev Stadium in Thane that promises thrills for teams and spectators.

“Until ISPL’s arrival, tennis ball cricketers were taken lightly. It wasn’t considered a serious sport, in fact, was seen as time-pass. But ISPL has changed all that, we are now regarded as professional sportspersons,” said the 36-year-old fast-medium bowler from Dibrugarh.

A late starter, Gogoi took to cricket only after completing higher-secondary school. He represented his college in cricket ball tournaments before shifting his focus entirely on tennis ball cricket.

Father to a 12-year-old boy, Gogoi said he has been making a living out of playing tennis ball cricket professionally in Assam for a decade now.

“Tennis ball cricket is very popular in Assam with many prize-money tournaments and a large fan-following,” he said.

However, his big break came last season when he enrolled for ISPL selection trials in Kolkata ahead of the inaugural edition and was picked by the Mumbai franchise for season 1.

“I took 11 wickets in seven matches, including a match-turning four-for against Singams in the semi-finals,” said Gogoi, whose action resembles former Pakistan fast bowler Sohail Tanvir.

“I’m excited to be turning out for Chennai Singams this season. I want to live up to their expectations and win matches for the team,” he added.

Gogoi was acquired by Singams for INR 4.20 lakh, higher than his base price of INR 3 lakh, and said he would use the money to secure his son’s future.