Paras Dogra Prepares for 25th First-Class Season

Paras Dogra, the seasoned cricketer, is gearing up for his 25th first-class season as he prepares to lead Jammu & Kashmir in the Irani Cup against the Rest of India. The match is scheduled to commence on October 1 at the Sher-i-Kashmir Stadium in Srinagar. Just two days before the season opener, Dogra is ensuring his equipment is in top shape, traveling to Bijbehara, a hub for bat manufacturing, to repair a bat that he feels is crucial for his performance.

Having played over 150 first-class matches and accumulated more than 10,000 runs in the Ranji Trophy, Dogra's experience is invaluable. He reflects on his journey, noting that despite his age, he still approaches the game with enthusiasm and a desire to learn. "I'm still a student of the game," he states, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a competitive edge and the mental aspect of performance as he ages.

Last season, Dogra faced challenges, scoring only 362 runs in 14 innings, which he deemed below his standards. Jammu & Kashmir reached the knockout stage but suffered a heartbreaking one-run defeat to Kerala in the quarter-finals. This loss prompted Dogra to question his future in the sport, but encouragement from his peers helped him decide to continue for another season. "The team still needs a leader like you," he recalls being told, which reignited his passion for the game.

The impact of Dogra's leadership extends beyond personal achievement; it signifies a shift in the perception of Jammu & Kashmir cricket. He notes the transformation in how opposing teams view them, moving from being seen as easy opponents to a competitive side capable of challenging the best. This change is reflected in the confidence of younger players like Abdul Samad and Qamran Iqbal, who are now integral to the team's success.

As Dogra embarks on this new season, he carries with him a mix of experience and a renewed sense of purpose. He acknowledges past regrets about his IPL career but has shifted focus to the positives in his journey. With the Irani Cup approaching, Dogra is ready for the challenges ahead, hoping to lead his team to victory and perhaps secure another title in his storied career.