The ESPNCricinfo player page on Nepali international, Mahesh Chhetri says that his favourite is Mohammad Kaif (former Indian international). And like Kaif, this boy from Nepalgunj finds himself out of favour from the selectors this time.
When Cricket association of Nepal (CAN) announced team for the ACCT20 Cup, Chhetri was one of the two names surprisingly missing – the other being all rounder Shakti Gauchan. Gauchan lost his place to young left arm spinner Rahul Biswokarma while Chhetri lost his position to U-19 team wicket keeper Subash Khakurel. Chhetri’s omission has raised few eyebrows in the cricket fraternity, more so in his hometown Nepalgunj, where his cricketing roots lie.
Subhendhu Pandey, cricketer from Nepalgunj, and Mahesh’s friend was visibly surprised with the omission. “I am shocked, I never thought he will be dropped from the side now”, adding, “Whatever the reason be (to drop him), he will come back strongly in the side.”
Another player from the same region, Anupam Singh says it was unbelievable. “Subendhu messaged me about this, but I didn’t believe in the first place, I thought he must be joking” he added, “But when I my facebook, it became clear. I had to find courage to call Mahesh Dai. Singh further said, “I felt very sad. It’s very shocking decision.”
These reactions clearly indicate the mood of Nepalgunj cricket circle, in the aftermath of Chhetri being dropped.
Mahesh Chhetri, who played since 2006 for Nepal’s national side continuously, was the part of Nepal’s U-19 World Cup 2006 team, which went on to win the plate championship.
He considered a fantastic player in 50 overs cricket, but his role in the newest format of the cricket, the T20 is under scanner. L B Chhetri, former national player, believes Mahesh has quality to bounce back. L B says “If this decision is made only for T20, where team needs pinch hitter like Khakurel, it’s OK. But if the same is done for longer formats like 50 over and three day matches, then team’s performance will suffer. Chhetri is very good in those formats.”
Coach Pubudu Dasanayake is seen instrumental in dropping Chhetri and bringing in Khakurel. As a coach, that too, new to the given role, Dassanayake had to go for a player who would give explosive start to the team. And here, Chhetri is considered ‘slow’. However, Khakurel lacks the experience that Chhetri has, having played for close to 5 years for national team.
This way, the tournament is likely to be an acid test, not only for Chhetri’s replacement, Khakurel, but also for coach Dassanayake.
Despite all this, Mahesh Chhetri appears strong, and positive. The day he reached Nepalgunj, following his ouster, he asked his friends to come for a practice in the evening. Talking about the decision, he said “It’s just a tour missed. I have age, time, experience and spirit. I will be back in the team more determined and stronger.” He added “the fustration of being left out motivates me stronger.”
Determination… This is perhaps why this boy from Nepalgunj has been in team for half a decade. And if he manages it well, Nepalgunj would be proud of him.