Ranji Trophy: Mumbai squad gets a touch of Nepal

Person of Nepal origin and Mumbai-born Gokul Bista was a talented wicket-keeper batsman with a dream to play for Mumbai. Even though he went on to play for Mumbai University and made it to the camp of the Ranji Trophy team in the 80s, he never broke into the state side.

His 19-year-old son, Jay, however, is living his dream and is set to become the first person of Nepali origin to play for Mumbai. The opening batsman and off-spinner was named in the squad for the fifth round Ranji Trophy Group B match against Uttar Pradesh from Saturday followed by tie against Railways.

The Mumbai Cricket Association joint secretary Unmesh Khanvilkar said, "Yes, Jay will be the first person of Nepal origin to make it to Mumbai Ranji Trophy squad."

Jay rides into Mumbai team following consistent performances in age group cricket over the years and a good run in ongoing U-23 Col CK Nayudu Trophy, including a double hundred against Gujarat.

A happy Jay said he had an inkling he might get a call up. "I had a gut feeling. Also, my coach Vinayak Samant had said that my name was being considered.

"However, a century on debut will make me more happy than just breaking into the side," he told dna.

When told that he will become the first person of Nepali origin to don the Lion Crest, Jay said: "My roots could be from Nepal but I am a hardcore Mumbaikar, who is born and brought up in Mumbai."

Gokul, who is into wealth management and share market, added: "My parents came to Mumbai in 1950 and settled here. I was born here. As my house is next to Wankhede Stadium, the cricket fever gripped me.

"My dream was to play for Mumbai but it did not materialise. The only solace is I managed to play for Mumbai University which was as competitive. However, I am extremely happy for my son," said Gokul, who was a ball boy along with Sachin Tendulkar at the Brabourne Stadium during the 1987 World Cup.

Gokul said Jay developed interest in the game while watching his father play.

"I did not force Jay to play cricket, he developed interest in and it soon became his passion. When he scored a century in his first competitive match playing for Payyade against Shivaji Park Gymkhana in an U-12 tournament, we realised he can make it his career," said Gokul.

One of Jay's coaches, Naushad khan, who is father of Royal Challengers Bangalore star Sarfaraz Khan, was all praise for Jay. "He is a good cricketer who plays attacking and positive cricket. He has matured a lot. Not just that, he bowls good off spin too. He is both hard working and sincere and has a long career ahead," said Khan.

Know Jay

Full Name: Jay Gokul Bista

Born in Mumbai on December 23, 1995

Played for various age group teams for Mumbai

Is a right-hand opening batsman and an off-spinner

Was a part of India U-19 probables during the last World Cup

Recently scored 201 against Gujarat in Col CK Nayudu Trophy

Played Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 Trophy for Mumbai in 2015

Scored an 81 (59b) against Rajasthan in the same tourney