APL 2026 top wicket-taker Doikho Das credits Hardik Pandya as idol
Synopsis
A 13-wicket haul in six games has made Doikho Das the breakout star of APL 2026 — and he credits it all to studying Hardik Pandya. The Dibrugarh Warriors seamer's short-ball aggression has powered his side to the top of the table, and his batting is yet to be unleashed.
Key Takeaways
Doikho Das has taken 13 wickets in six games at an economy rate of 7.80 in the APL 2026 .
His best figures are 4/33 against Charaideo Sunrisers .
Dibrugarh Warriors lead the points table with five wins from six matches and 10 points .
Das cites Hardik Pandya as his idol, modelling his aggressive, short-ball approach on the India all-rounder.
Das is yet to bat in the tournament but says he is ready to contribute in both departments when called upon.
Dibrugarh Warriors all-rounder Doikho Das has named India star Hardik Pandya as his idol, saying the aggressive all-rounder's approach has shaped the way he bowls in the inaugural Assam Premier League (APL) 2026. Das made the revelation as he emerged as one of the tournament's leading wicket-takers, helping his side to the top of the points table.
Das Dominates the APL Wicket Charts
Doikho Das has claimed 13 wickets in six games at an economy rate of 7.80, including a standout 4/33 against Charaideo Sunrisers. The Dibrugarh Warriors currently lead the standings with five wins from six matches and 10 points, and Das has been central to that run.
Pandya's Influence on Das's Bowling
'Hardik Pandya is my idol. I like the way he plays his cricket, and I try to learn from his style. I focus on hitting the deck hard and bowling aggressively, especially with the short ball,' Das said. He identified the short ball as his stock delivery, crediting it as the primary driver of his wickets. 'The short ball is my stock delivery. It has brought me success, and with the pitches offering assistance, I am leaning into that strength,' he added.
Mindset and Discipline Behind the Numbers
Das attributes his consistency to a straightforward mental approach. 'My mindset is clear. I don't focus on the batter; I only focus on hitting my areas and sticking to the plan. That helps me stay disciplined and not get distracted,' he said. The youngster has kept his process simple even as the wickets have piled up across the tournament.
Waiting for a Bat in Hand
While Das has made his mark primarily with the ball, he considers himself a genuine all-rounder. 'I haven't had the chance to bat yet, but I'm ready to make an impact whenever the opportunity arises. I want to contribute in both departments whenever my team needs me,' he said. His batting remains an untapped dimension that the Warriors could call upon as the tournament progresses.
Team First, Personal Milestones Second
Despite his impressive individual returns, Das insists collective success takes priority. 'Personal performances don't matter as much if the team doesn't win. I'm not satisfied yet because I want to keep improving to help the team move forward,' he said. With the Warriors well-placed heading into the business end of the APL, Das looks set to remain a key figure in their title push.
Point of View
Particularly the short-ball aggression that has historically unsettled batters on subcontinental pitches. The APL, in only its inaugural edition, is already surfacing talent with a clear tactical vocabulary. Whether Das can sustain these numbers against better-prepared opposition in the knockout rounds will be the real test of whether the Pandya blueprint has truly taken root.
NationPress
13 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How many wickets has Doikho Das taken in APL 2026?
Das has taken 13 wickets in six matches at an economy rate of 7.80, including a best of 4/33 against Charaideo Sunrisers, making him one of the leading wicket-takers in the tournament.
Why does Doikho Das credit Hardik Pandya?
Das has named Hardik Pandya as his idol, saying he models his aggressive bowling style — particularly his use of the short ball — on the India all-rounder's approach. He credits this influence for his success in APL 2026.
Where do Dibrugarh Warriors stand in the APL 2026 points table?
Dibrugarh Warriors are at the top of the APL 2026 points table with five wins from six matches and 10 points.
Has Doikho Das batted in APL 2026?
Das has not yet had the opportunity to bat in the tournament. He has said he considers himself an all-rounder and is ready to contribute with the bat whenever his team requires it.
