Just three years after entering the National squad, the Opening batter & WicketKeeper for Nepal, Subash Khakurel is one of the most valued batsmen in Nepal Cricket today. Cricnepal representative Arun Upreti met with him during Triton’s first match of the first Inter-University Cricket Tournament against Himalayan College of Engineering being held at Kathmandu University. He had a different role this time; coaching for his former college team.
Tell us something about your coaching experience
It’s quite different primarily because it’s more of a leader. It has helped me understand what Dassanayeke sir goes through. I remember him yelling at me time and again to run the first run hard during practice and at times I used to get furious at him, but now I have to do the same thing with my players.
Your Motivation
My motivation is my seniors- Sangam Dai(Brother), Sharad Dai, Basant Dai, and Paras Dai, who have given all their youth to the country and Cricket. Sanjam especially has played selflessly for over 12 years for Nepal. These players haven’t got anything back, have they? But they still keep on playing for the nation. It’s the selfless contribution to Cricket from senior players that keep me motivated to play in the same selfless manner.
Early Cricketing days
I used to play for Himalayan White House College and this might be a surprise to a lot of people that I was a fast bowler then. But after I entered Triton College I took gloves on my hand.
Nepali Cricket Fans
They are always supporting but one thing I can’t help noticing is their growth in number. Nepali Cricket Fan Club has been doing an awesome job.
We are always thankful to the fans for their support, it makes a huge difference to the team’s morale.
Extreme Action by Fans
There was a girl who painted the number 9 on her face. I met her after the match. There also have been instances where fans have searched for my home to meet me.
Your 100 for Kathmandu U-19 in the U-19 National One day Tournament
It was one of those days when everything was going right for me. But still, I believe that Nepalese players don’t have enough experience and skill to score centuries on a regular basis. Yes, we have reached that level where every batsman on his day can easily cross 50. We need to play more matches with better teams to raise our batting standard higher!
Preparation for World Cup Qualifier
We haven’t practised as a team ever since we returned from Bermuda.
Triton International College will now take on KIST Medical College A in their final Group stage match of the First Inter-University Cricket Tournament. They defeated HOCE in the first match by 94 runs and need one more win to secure the quarter-final berth.
