It all began as a casual affair. A couple of friends, a tennis ball, and a wooden bat: the essential elements for a good game of cricket. Back then, our team, united more by a love for the sport than by professional skill, would gather every weekend between 7-9 AM for some cricket action. Our start was far from humble when it came to numbers; our weekend tennis-ball cricket games were a big hit. We had 18 to 24 players who would regularly join us for matches. The field was always buzzing with activity, laughter, and the thwack of the ball against the bat. While numbers were never an issue for our weekend meets, our unity lay in the simple joy of the game rather than professional skill. In this relaxed and friendly environment, we got better at the fundamental aspects of cricket.
Just as we were settling into our comfortable routine, something incredible happened: a recommendation to try leather-ball cricket and our routine took an intriguing twist. The suggestion came with the promise of a more authentic cricketing experience, but it also posed challenges—namely, the need for specialized equipment like pads, helmets, and professional-grade bats. Undeterred, we took the plunge. Borrowing the essential gear and with a blend of excitement and nervousness, we prepared ourselves for our first leather-ball match.
Our first friendly match was a revelation. The leather ball behaved differently; it swung more, seamed off the pitch, and offered the bowlers more to work with. For the batsmen, it was a chance to play real cricketing shots without worrying about the unpredictability of a tennis ball. Everyone was hooked. The transformation was as swift as it was intoxicating. The difference was night and day, capturing our imaginations like never before.
Encouraged by our newfound love for leather-ball cricket, we enrolled in our first tournament. It was a surreal experience—playing under official rules, with umpires, and against teams who had been playing leather-ball cricket for years. Yet, we held our own. That initial tournament was the first of many we participated in during a single season. Our weekends, once casual cricketing meetups, became jam-packed with matches that we approached with utmost seriousness.
Our maiden season was far from a smooth ride, but it was incredibly rewarding. We reached the semifinals in two of the tournaments, an achievement that filled us with pride. These weren’t just matches; they were nerve-wracking dramas deeply filled with breathtaking moments. Yes, tempers flared and heated arguments did happen, but these were short-lived. All disagreements were put aside, forgotten in the larger spirit of the game.
But the leather-ball game was not without its challenges. The increase in pace and seam led to a spate of injuries among us. Sprains, strains, and even the occasional fractured finger were now part of the game. However, these physical setbacks only seemed to strengthen our resolve. Players healed and returned to the field with a newfound respect for the sport and a more refined set of skills.
Our journey from tennis-ball enthusiasts to dedicated leather-ball cricketers has been filled with ups and downs. From being a large, casual group in the tennis-ball era to becoming a dedicated, sometimes short-staffed team in leather-ball cricket, we’ve faced numerous challenges. But what remained constant is the sense of community. Those who remained committed through the transition are the people who define what our team is today—a family bound by resilience, unity, and an undying love for cricket. Our story is a testament to how a simple weekend activity can evolve into a serious pursuit that teaches us not just about the sport, but also about the human spirit. As we gear up for another season, we stand not just as a team, but as a community that has grown stronger through both victory and defeat.
So, here’s to more leather, more cricket, and an unquenchable passion for this glorious sport. The journey, as they say, has only just begun
Hridesh Gupta
Old Monks Team
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