Sanklecha can't wait to join Horspath after re-signing

INDIAN all-rounder Anupam Sanklecha can't wait to team up with Horspath after re-signing for the 2021 Home Counties Premier League campaign.

Anupam Sanklecha has re-signed. Picture: Oxford Mail

The 38-year-old was due to play for the club in Division 2 this year, but the coronavirus pandemic put paid to those plans and he remained in the subcontinent. Now, with the agreement deferred to next season, he is hoping the situation will have eased, so he can finally line up at the Recreation Ground.

Sanklecha, who was a prolific wicket-taker and steady run-scorer for Shipton-under-Wychwood in Division 2 from 2014-18, said: "I've heard a lot about Horspath CC, and I'm eagerly waiting to come and experience the great culture of the club.

"I want to use my cricketing experience to achieve success for the club in all formats and try to develop young talent for the future. I can't wait to see you all and am very excited to play for one of the great clubs in Oxfordshire."

Described as a 'Maharashtra legend' by the Cricket Exchange Agency CricX.com, Sanklecha has been a stalwart of the Pune-based side in the Indian domestic game. Having made his first-class debut in November 2004, he has played 61 Ranji Trophy games, taking 215 wickets at an average of 25.40 with 12 five-wicket returns and two ten-wicket match hauls, as well as scoring 1,001 runs. He also represented Mumbai Champs in the Indian Cricket League (ICL) before the introduction of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Sanklecha's first experience of English conditions came with Evenwood in County Durham in 2007, but it was during five seasons at Shipton where he really made his mark, taking 245 league wickets with his right-arm medium-fast bowling.

He was Division 2's leading wicket-taker on two occasions with his best return coming in 2017 when he claimed 63 victims, including an amazing 8-8 as Reading were routed for 38. A left-hand middle-order batsman, he racked up 1,708 league runs at an average of 27.59 with a top score of 110 not out at Datchet in 2017 when he enjoyed his best campaign with 608 runs.

Horspath director of cricket Will Eason is thrilled to have Sanklecha on board. He said: "We are delighted to have secured Anupam for the 2021 season. Though he was unable to join us for 2020 due to restrictions, hopefully he will be able to come over next May.

"To have a player who can lead the bowling attack and also score runs will be invaluable to the side. The qualities he has both on and off the pitch will be essential to helping both adult and junior players progressing."

Posted by: Russ