This phrase basically summons the team’s performance in the Citizen division this season.

I still remember the day when I was asked to take up ‘B’ captaincy by the senior guys in the team… my first thought, as a newbie in the league, “do I really have too!?” But, once I took it I felt I did the right thing! As a captain my major goal was to allow the players enjoy their game and play pressure-less free cricket, which I felt, was missing in the ‘B’ team. As a result, we had a number of close finishes where the team wasn’t able to cross the line. I blame myself for not stepping up and finishing a couple of games which would have put us in the semi-finals…. After every loss I felt ‘It was so near but yet….’

That being said, individuals have stood up and improved their game to a large extent compared to the previous seasons. There were a number of positives with guys like Rushi, Parmar and Deepak showing their all-round skills with bat, ball and also in the field. Priyank and Charlie batted with responsibility and patience, Tanmay and Kamran bhai were very impressive as spinners! Especially, Tanmay matured wonderfully as a bowler as the season progressed. The most impressive part of the B team this season was the fielding… Rajan, lead the way by making ‘cover-point’ my own corner which was infected around the team. Finally, guys like Shanee, Aman and Amrinder and Jawad did their bit in the few games they played. Newbie’s Sumit, Vishal and Anant also played in good Burghs spirit!

All said, it was a tough and challenging job and I enjoyed every bit of it! I’m happy with the progress of the ‘B’ team. I am a true supporter of the line “A captain is as good as his team”. So, I thank all the B guys for supporting me. I hope and pray we keep improving and have a better season next year under a new captain!

Cheers!!!

Nikhil Manikonda