Dumka's Young Cricket Talents Shine in Jharkhand Under-19 Selection Trials
Jharkhand Cricket's New Approach: Talent from Every Corner
Cricket isn’t just a sport in India—it’s almost a way of life. Nowhere is this more obvious than in Jharkhand, where a new wave of cricketing energy is taking shape. The Jharkhand State Cricket Association (JSCA), steered by SK Behera and his freshly elected team, is serious about changing the game for young hopefuls. Their latest under-19 selection trials, which picked out three rising stars from Dumka, show just how determined they are to uncover raw talent wherever it might be hiding.
The Jharkhand cricket selectors didn’t leave things to chance. Selection wasn’t just about flashy batting or quick bowling. Players were judged on technical skills, sharpness in the field, fitness, and a cool head during pressure situations. Those who made the mark come from diverse backgrounds, many from underrepresented and tribal communities. This reflects a shift in focus from big-city advantage to genuine inclusivity—a welcome move for local folks who’ve always dreamed of seeing their sons and daughters play at higher levels.
Zonal Academies: Engines for Grassroots Cricket
The JSCA’s plan is crystal clear—if you want world-class players, you’ve got to start with a deep bench. That’s where zonal academies fit in. The Dumka/Deoghar Academy isn’t just covering Dumka; it ropes in neighboring districts like Deoghar, Pakur, Godda, and Sahibganj, ensuring that kids from less urbanized areas get the same chance to train and progress as those from Ranchi or Jamshedpur.
During the latest round of trials, selectors like Vice-President Nandu Patel, Secretary SB Singh, and Joint Secretary Rajkumar Sharma personally tracked the action. Their hands-on approach, watching not just performance but attitude and game sense, sets a new standard that other state associations might soon copy.
And it’s not just about picking players and leaving them to fend for themselves. The chosen youngsters get access to free coaching, world-class facilities, mentorship from former players, and proper dietary guidance. This ongoing support is a game-changer, especially for those whose families could never afford cricket coaching or gear otherwise.
The wider vision? JSCA wants to build a pipeline—not just for state tournaments, but for performing consistently at national BCCI events. They hope some of these new faces will one day wear the national jersey. But there’s something else at play too. The program doubles as a platform for social transformation, using cricket to engage and uplift communities that have often stayed on the sidelines.
For now, these three Under-19 players from Dumka are the headlines. But behind their stories lies a much bigger tale—one about cricket’s ability to reach forgotten corners, rewrite destinies, and remind everyone that all it takes to change the game is a chance and a little belief.