FRIDAY, MAY 16, 2025
Jonathan Rongsen on making cricket a career in Nagaland
Published on Mar 4, 2025
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- After winning the Northern Premier Cricket League in England.
- DIMAPUR — 38-year-old Jonathan Rongsen Lkr discovered his passion for cricket from an early age. Spending two decades in Bangalore—a city renowned for its fervour for the game—his impressive school tournament performances led him to represent Karnataka under-16 team at just 14 and the under-19 team the following year, marking the point when he recognised that cricket could be a viable career.
- His academic journey saw him attend St. John High School for classes five to seven, St. Joseph European School for classes eight to ten, and Presidency College in Bangalore, where he earned a degree in Arts and Science with the support of a cricket scholarship.
- Currently captaining the Nagaland Ranji team, in this interview with Eastern Mirror, Jonathan discusses his journey, the discipline demanded by professional cricket, and the career opportunities the sport offers.
- How did your cricket journey begin in Nagaland, and who inspired you early on?
- When I was at St. John’s School in Bangalore, we had a selection process for the school cricket team. I was only in the 6th standard, but since I had always liked cricket and Sachin Tendulkar was my hero, I attended the trials. Luckily, I was picked for the school team, which was where I started playing proper cricket and learnt a lot from our school cricket coach. My cricketing journey in Nagaland began when the BCCI allowed all the northeastern states to participate in the Ranji Trophy tournaments in 2018. That was when I moved to Nagaland to represent our state.
- How would you describe the growth of cricket in Nagaland over the past decade?
- Ever since Nagaland's cricket teams, in all age groups for both men and women, started participating in BCCI tournaments, cricket in Nagaland has been growing rapidly. More people are now becoming aware of the game, which is a positive sign.
- What unique obstacles do cricketers from the northeast and Nagaland face compared to those in other states?
- Here in the Northeast, we have only a limited number of cricket grounds. Moreover, we receive a lot of rainfall, making it very difficult for cricketers in the Northeast to play continuous tournaments or practice throughout the year, unlike in other states on the Indian mainland.
- With Irfan Pathan during a practice session.
- How viable is cricket as a full-time career in Nagaland financially?
- If someone is talented and willing to work hard, the sky is the limit. Playing in the IPL or for India is now very much possible, and by participating in domestic BCCI tournaments, one can earn well to support their family.
- What advice would you give students in Nagaland who dream of becoming professional cricketers?
- A few years ago, if someone had asked me, I would have said, "Just concentrate on your studies." But now, one can have a good future in cricket, provided they are willing to work hard.
- At what age should aspiring cricketers start formal training, and why?
- The ideal age for aspiring cricketers to start formal training varies depending on factors like physical development, interest, and availability of resources. Early introduction (5-8 years) focuses on developing basic motor skills such as running, throwing, and catching, while introducing cricket in a playful, engaging manner to foster a love for the game. From 8 to 12 years, the focus shifts to fundamental skills development, concentrating on basic cricket skills like batting, bowling, and fielding.
- Are there specific academies or programmes you recommend for beginners?
- Unfortunately, we don’t have a proper cricket academy in Nagaland that I can recommend. However, you can always start playing with your friends and focus on learning the basics of cricket first. Nowadays, there are cricket teams in all districts of Nagaland. Anyone can contact the district cricket association and take steps to play and improve.
- Do you believe formal education is essential for a cricket career, or can raw talent suffice?
- I strongly believe that education can play a major role in cricket, as it is 90 per cent a mental game and 10 per cent raw talent. If you have a strong educational background, your mind is much stronger than the rest, enabling you to handle the ups and downs, especially during pressure situations, which are common in all sports.
- Nagaland team jersey launch.
- How important is physical fitness versus tactical knowledge in modern cricket?
- If you are playing professional sports at the highest level, it means all the players are highly skilled. Only those with excellent physical fitness and mental strength will be differentiated from the rest.
- What training routines or habits have been key to your success?
- Discipline in whatever I do is the key for me, from eating habits to waking up early. It could be my workout or practice; I follow the same routine every day. Yes, it can be boring sometimes, but that’s what gives me success in my game. They say practice makes a man perfect, but it is perfect practice that makes a man perfect.
- Beyond playing, what other career paths exist in cricket, and how can one prepare?
- You can be a coach or a trainer, or even open an academy for children. You can also become a state selector and enter the cricketing system through the various cricket associations. There are many doors one can enter.
- What’s the biggest mistake young cricketers make, and how can they avoid it?
- You are what you eat and drink, so any sports person should avoid anything that can harm the body. Discipline in sports should be your bible. My advice to young people is that sports careers are very short, so make the most of it before your time runs out.
- What initiatives would you propose to make Nagaland a cricketing powerhouse?
- Nowadays, we have all the necessary facilities in Nagaland, but one thing I would like to see is schools taking more interest in participating in school cricket tournaments. This is the foundation of our state's cricket development. If more children participate, we will discover more talent in Nagaland, and there will be increased competition among the players. Gradually, through this system, Nagaland will surely become a cricketing powerhouse.
- With teammates in England.
- What’s your vision for cricket in Nagaland over the next 10 years?
- In the next 10 years, I see more and more talented cricketers emerging from Nagaland, and I wouldn't be surprised if some of our Naga boys play in the IPL or for India.
- RAPID INSIGHTS
- Preferred format: Test, ODI, or T20?
- Test.
- What is your favourite movie?
- Shawshank Redemption.
- If you could introduce a new rule in domestic cricket, what would it be?
- Above 100 metres, six should be 8 runs.
- With the state team.
Nagaland Districts
