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Raiphi Vincent Gomez (on the right) with Puducherry Cricket team captain Rohit Damodaren.[/caption]
Eastern Mirror Desk
Dimapur, Jan. 7: Nagaland is blessed with a pleasant climate, a fine cricket stadium with good facilities and an exceptional pitch. This was the observation made by Indian cricketer Raiphi Vincent Gomez, who is playing for Puducherry Cricket Team at the ongoing Ranji Trophy in Dimapur.
Thirty-three year-old Gomez is from Kerala. The right-handed batsman and right-arm medium bowler has played for the Rajasthan Royals, Kochi Tuskers and Pune Warriors India at the Indian Premier League. He told Eastern Mirror that he started playing cricket at the age of 12 years, representing his state Kerala for u14, u17; and represented India for u19 team.
The cricketer has some career highlights that put him among the best in his league. Gomez has a record of scoring 35 runs in one over and 90 not out off 39 balls. To Gomez's credit again, he has picked up the wicket of Kolkata Knight Riders Jacques Kallis, which he said turned the course of the game for the Kochi Tuskers thereby winning the match. This, he said, was the special performance of his career and for which he is remembered till date.
On being queried if he knows about any Naga cricketer, the name of Nagaland player Jonathan Rongsen came in the quick reply. Gomez recounted that his relations with Rongsen dates back to the time when Gomez was 14 years old. He recognises the Naga player as a 'busy player and a good batsman.'
Gomez, who works as the deputy manager of State Bank of India in Trivandrum, remarked that he found the Nagaland women's cricket playing efficiently; and committed to the game with a hard working coach to guide the team. He said that the state's junior cricket team was enthusiastic; it has genuine love for the game.
The cricketer was of the opinion that playing lots of matches with right guidance was very important for a player to be and grow in the game.
Not surprisingly, Gomez relished Naga style pork curry and is waiting to explore Hongkong market in Dimapur.
The Puducherry Cricket Team is led by its captain Rohit Damodaren. The team is playing against Nagaland at the ongoing Ranji Trophy at the Nagaland Cricket Stadium, at Sovima village in Dimapur.