Never imagined we could beat Rajasthan after 263-run loss against Baroda: Lee Yong Lepcha

GANGTOK, : Sikkim recently recorded a historic win in a Vijay Hazare Trophy (VHT) match against Rajasthan, becoming the first Northeastern side to beat a top-ranked team in the tournament. The victory by six runs assumes even greater significance considering Sikkim recorded their second win in 16 matches. This run includes a 263-run loss against Baroda, where the latter recorded the highest total in T20 cricket (349).

“I never imagined we could beat Rajasthan after a very bad loss against Baroda which was widely discussed. Our coach SonamPaldenBhutia was in tears after the win,” said Sikkim captain Lee Yong Lepcha.

However, the triumph came after its fair share of anxiety for Lepcha, who had spent sleepless nights thinking about the prospect of leading the senior team for the first time, ahead of the VHT edition. “So many things were going through my mind. I admire Rahul Dravid and MS Dhoni for their calmness and I tried to stay calm as much as possible similarly,” he stated.

Sikkim's 2024/25 VHT campaign witnessed five consecutive losses in as many matches, with critics highlighting the team’s inability to hold their nerve under pressure. However, the turning point in the campaign arrived in the penultimate match against Meghalaya, where Sikkim recorded their maiden win against the opposition. “Our coach had highlighted the need to really ramp up the quality of our performance and we ensured that. That win was a big morale-booster,” stated Lepcha.

“I just asked the boys to give their best. Things worked out well against Meghalaya,” said Bhutia. Sikkim batter ParthPalawat shared an anecdote about the win against Meghalaya, which showcases the role played by Bhutia. “PalzorTamang, the player of the match, was battling a very bad season before this game. He was very demotivated. Our coach spoke to him and inspired him to perform by showcasing belief,” said Palawat.

Sikkim were put in to bat by a Rajasthan side, comprising proven campaigners like Khaleel Ahmed, Rahul Chahar and Deepak Hooda, managing to post their highest total (275/5) in the edition. Ashish Thapa (73) and ParthPalawat (80) stitched a partnership under pressure, with the latter terming Sachin Tendulkar’s 241* in Australia as his inspiration.

“The message from the coach and captain was that it shouldn't seem like we're not there to win. Chahar was their main wicket-taker and I decided to take charge. The opposition completely went blank. There were even efforts to sledge us,” shared Palawat.

“I was told to stay till the end and tried to ensure regular boundaries. We had played a few dots against spinners in the previous matches which I avoided,” stated Thapa.

Sikkim kept chipping in with regular wickets during the second innings following a fine spell by all-rounder Ankur Malik (4/35), reducing Rajasthan to 176/6. “Our efforts made 276 seem like a target in excess of 350. Ankur played a vital role, chipping in with wickets. He can whack the ball hard and has drawn interest from IPL franchises like DC. He is one to watch out for,” said Bhutia.

However, Rajasthan clawed their way back following a late partnership, bringing the match down to eight runs off the last over with two wickets in hand. “I was in a big dilemma whether to bowl the final over myself or give it to another bowler. I went with my gut instinct and gave the ball to Malik who delivered when it mattered the most,” said Lepcha.

“I just tried to stay calm and back myself, ensuring focus on every delivery. The captain had backed me through thick and thin and that confidence enabled me to get the job done,” reacted Malik.

The Sikkim cricketers were left emotional following the triumph. “This is a big win for Northeast. We have proved a point to one and all,” stated Bhutia.