Sushan Bhari is one of three cricketers who stand a chance to debut for the senior national side against Namibia this weekend. Bhari, who had been away from the limelight for two years after playing the Nepal U-16 and U-19 teams, is one of the 14 players selected for the national side. Onlinekhabar recently talked to Bhari about his cricket career, and his preparations for the matches against Namibia.
Could you tell us about yourself?
I was born 21 years ago in Nawalparasi. I went to New Horizon School in Butwal, where I played cricket for the first time. I think I started playing when I was in the sixth grade.
There are many who call you ‘junior’ Shakti Gauchan. (Gauchan is senior member of the national side). Why so?
When I was in the seventh grade Shakti Gauchan came to Butwal. One of my friends told me, “Shakti Gauchan is in town, let’s go meet him.” After sometime he was coaching our school cricket team. When I started off, I wanted to become a pacer, then I chose batting. But during one of the training sessions, Shakti Gauchan observed that I had the ability to turn the ball. That is when he told me that I should become a spinner.
What is your style of bowling?
Like Shakti Gauchan, I am also a left-arm spinner. I think that is one other reason why people compare me with him. They even call me ‘Shakti ko chela’ (Shakti’s disciple) [laughs].
So meeting Gauchan was the turning point in your career?
Yes, it is.
Could you tell us about your best performance so far?
During NPL in Dhangadhi two years ago, I took a hat-trick. I went on to take three more wickets in the same match.
How has your performance been in the closed camp?
I was the highest wicket-taker in the first four matches. I took 15 wickets in four matches.
You played as a member of the U-16 and U-19 teams, but you were not selected for the national side for a long time. What did you do during the period?
I spent most of time in Butwal, where I continued to train, and study. I have completed my BBS in finance. There were times when I felt bad about not being selected for the national team, but that did not prevent me from continuing playing the game.
Your coach Shakti Gauchan is also on the team this time. Both Shakti and you are slow left-arm bowlers. If the team is to go for variation in bowling, both of you may not make it at the same time.
There’s nothing I can do about that. What I can do is perform well so that I get selected.
What is your strategy going to be against the Namibian batsmen?
I am going to bowl like I have been bowling. I will listen to what the more experienced bowlers in the squad say about our opponents.
What would be your message to the fans?
I would like to ask all our fans to come support the team when we play Namibia.
