Former India pacer Dinda opts for Goa, says team offers a new challenge

PANAJI: Former India pacer Ashoke Dinda has packed his bags and is ready to move to Goa when he gets the call.


The

Goa Cricket Association

has been speaking with Dinda for a long time, and having first retained captain Amit Verma, Goa finally got the pacer as the second professional player. The third slot for a wicketkeeper-batsman is up for grabs after Smit Patel chose to join Baroda.

Expectations are high from the veteran pacer who has played 13 ODIs, 9 T20Is and featured in 116 first class matches, taking 420 wickets with an average of 28.2.

Last season Goa relied heavily on pacers — Felix Alemao, Lakshay Garg, Heramb Parab and Vijesh Prabhudesai to book a quarterfinal berth in the Ranji Trophy. Though the Goans came good, GCA knows they need someone experienced to slug it out after Goa were promoted to the Elite Division.

"At 36, I am still fit and can bowl for a long period of time. I can bowl for 10 overs continuously. I will be like an

experienced elder brother

and inspire young talented players. My aim will be to help the

team

win more matches," said Dinda, who featured for various IPL teams like Kolkata Knight Riders, Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Captials), Rising Pune Supergiants and Royal Challengers Bangalore.

Dinda's decision to move to Goa made

many

to wonder why the experienced player from Bengal left his home state.

"I have many friends in Goa and I have played against and in Goa before, so I am aware of the conditions. My main reason is to find a new challenge. Goa is an established state unlike new ones which are included in first-class cricket. I believe Goa was the right choice. I will try to help my new team reach a higher level," he said.

Dinda’s experience can be a huge plus for Goa, particularly when up against the heavyweights in the Elite Division. For captain Verma, the presence and guidance of another senior is welcome.

"Ranji Trophy matches are long and grinding. One bad session and you are playing catch-up all the time. It is all about working hard and training — practice as well as fitness. I have heard Goa players are young, so my main aim will be to see that I work hard in terms of fitness. Looking at me, youngsters will like to work even harder," said Dinda.