People of Nepalgunj woke up on Friday to hear the shocking news of the untimely demise of its beloved cricket player Ganesh Shahi. Death of one of the star player this city has produced, has shocked everyone. Former Nepali national team skipper Shahi died during treatment in the Vivekanand Hospital, Lucknow, India. His death has sparked wave of grief in the cricket loving city Nepalgunj where Shahi was considered as a best wicket keeper batsman it gave to the national side.
For another former national cricket team skipper LB Chhetri, this is his personal loss as Chhetri was his roommate during first and second ACC trophy played in Malaysia and Kathmandu in 1996 and 1998 respectively. Chhetri says, “His death has saddened everyone as he was very popular, friendly among the locals.” He further adds, “He was one of the best players I have played with. A born cricketer with natural instincts and undoubtedly the best wicket keeper Nepal has had till date.”
According to Chhetri, Nepal could have gained a lot from Shahi’s expertise and experience, but that was not to be, due to his poor health of late. Moreover Shahi was living in Baharaich (India) for past few years, which meant his knowledge went in vain.
Shahi (Right) with Nepalgunj teammates, L B Chhetri (Center) and Arun Thapa
Shahi played national cricket for Banke districts when it was played in district format and then he played for Region No. 5 (Nepalgunj) in current format. His influence among established and aspirant players from the region has been noteworthy. National team’s current wicket keeper Mahesh Chhetri has time and again mentioned Shahi as his inspiration for taking up wicketkeepingin. Apart from national cricketers, Shahi was able to get praise from international cricketers as well.
Shahi’s first international exposure came at an age of 24, when Nepal played ACC trophy in Malaysia in 1996.
Playing in ACC Trophy in 1996 (Nepal’s first international participation in a multi team championship), Sunil Gavaskar – one of the all time great batsmen the game has seen – had said, “I’ve never seen a wicketkeeper like this, outside Test playing nation.”
The compliment coming from a player who once held world record for most number of Test runs and most centuries is no mean feat. At the same tourney, Match referee Krishnamachari Srikanth – who was once the opening partner of Sunil Gavaskar – said that he could not believe that ‘the Himalayan Kingdom had this kind of talent’.
These incidents tell you, Shahi was one of the first players to bring some recognition in Nepal’s early forays in international cricket.
There is another incident that explains the character of short statured cricketer from Nepalgunj. In the First ACC Trophy, the Japanese cricketers took a liking to Shahi’s skills behind the stumps. They wanted to talk to Shahi. However, Shahi ran away from them and hid himself. The reason cited was: “My English is poor.” Thankfully, his teammates rescued the glovesman from having to speak in English to the Japanese.
| Shahi: In Memory |
| Pawan Agrawal (Former Nepal captain, in Republica): Shahi was the best Nepali wicketkeeper I have seen. We played together in the national side under each other´s captainship. He was good behind the wickets. As a captain, I used to rest faith on him for the duty behind the wicket. He was equally useful with the bat. More importantly, he was a team-player and better human being. |
| Paresh Lohani (Former Nepal captain and current Nepal international, along with photo on facebook): With one of the Greatest wicket keeper batsman of Nepal, GANESH SHAHI, DAI…..I will always remember you as a mentor, gurdian, brother, a friend and a very jolly fellow…..REST IN PEACE !!! |
| Manoj Katuwal (Former Nepal wicketkeeper): While playing Jay Trophy in 1997, I was wicket keeping for Jhapa. Incidentally I was keeping when Ganesh Dai was batting. He had praised my keeping. Later, we were together in national camp. I learnt a lot of things from him. Later, I was keeper in the national team in his place. We lost a great wicketkeeper batsman from Nepal. May his soul rest in peace. We will miss you brother. |
If anything impressed you about Ganesh Shahi, it was his grace once inside the cricket ground. His natural style, attacking demeanor while batting and supple glove work behind the stumps impressed almost everyone who saw him in action. However, there was a flip side to his cricket too. Unlike many other cricketers who work hours to hone their skills, he was reluctant to practice a lot. It’s difficult to say whether more practice would have improved his skills further or he would have become more mechanical cricket with a lot of practice. The reason for him being averse to practice was his allergy to socks.
Ganesh Shahi (Right) with L B Chhetri
During his 5 years stint in national team, Shahi played 14 One-Day matches for Nepal and scored 226 runs with the average of 22.60. His highest score was 68 runs against the UAE at Sharjah in 2000. Shahi played his final tournament for Nepal in 2001 in Canada, the ICC Trophy (World Cup Qualifier). Shahi was captain of Nepali side. That too had come to him as a chance. Canada had denied visa to 4 Nepali cricketers, including original captain Raju Khadka.
Apart from Shahi’s cricket, his colleagues remember him for the lively person he was. They say that he was cheerful all the time, cracking jokes in the dressing room and never worried despite being in tough condition. As far as his cricket was concerned, he would never abandon his attacking shots without fear and chose to stay close behind the stumps even when the fast bowler was bowling. His excellence behind the wicket earned him respect from his captains and opposition alike.
It’s not always that people are blessed with happiness on and off the field. Shahi dedicated his best years to the game, but did not have a very happy personal life. Born in Khajura of Banke district, he was living with his family in the Indian town Baharaich, about 50 Kilometers from Nepalgunj. He was married once but it didn’t last long. He accepted it with grace, never tried to opt for second marital innings and remained single till his final days.
Nepali cricket will miss Shahi for long, as we’re yet to see a wicketkeeper who has that agility and grace behind the stumps.