Goa’s Ranji exploits bring welcome cheer to Chandigarh

Over 2,000km away from the city, when Goa handed Nagaland a 362-run drubbing to lift the Plate Group Final of Ranji Trophy 2024-25 at the Nagaland Cricket Stadium, Sovima, the cheer resonated with the local cricket fraternity as well.

The city connection with Goa’s remarkable win was through Chandigarh-born Dinesh Mongia, the former left-handed Indian all-rounder, who coached the winning side.

Mongia, who has had coaching stints with Chandigarh, Odisha and Arunachal Pradesh in the past, took charge of the Goan side last year. With the title win, the team will be promoted to the elite division for the next season.

“We have worked really hard. And, it was a collective team effort. I am happy being in the position where I justified my job with the help of a young and energetic batch,” said Mongia, adding, “I am with the side for a year now, and the combination really clicked between all of us. I am happy the team has been promoted to the elite group.”

Mongia has represented the national team in 57 ODIs and one T20I and has experience as a coach. He was a member of the 2003 World Cup squad, where India lost in the final. He made his ODI debut against Australia in 2001. He scored a half-century in his fifth match and posted an unbeaten 159 in Guwahati against Zimbabwe in the series decider in March 2002.

When asked about his take on coming back to Chandigarh, since the city has already got the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) affiliation, the former Indian player smiled and said, “Yes, I don’t mind coming back if a proper opportunity comes. I did two years coaching in Arunachal Pradesh, a year in Odisha, followed by a Zonal Cricket Academy Camp and I do coaching in England during summer time.”

“I have been into cricket for decades now, and with so many ultra modern changes in the coaching, I am just excited to learn and teach to the young cricketers,” said Mongia, who had the choice to take up commentary or coaching after his playing career was over in the sport.

Mongia had also coached UT Education Department cricket teams for various national games in the past, and had also run an academy at a Sector-10 college.

“The place where I was born and nurtured my future is very close to my heart. However, all these states have taught me different things. Coaching is completely different from playing. And, the temperament to handle the coaching job needs to be nurtured over the years. The passion for the win is common, but responsibilities and jobs are different,” Mongia signed off.

The title run

Chasing a mammoth total of 578, Nagaland was bundled out for 215 on the final day. Goa skipper Darshan Misal troubled the opponents with his left-arm spin and posted 5/48. In the second innings, the host reduced Goa to 42/3. However, a 278-run partnership between Kauthankar and Bakle led the side to victory.