Guwahati Royals head coach Abu Nechim has set an ambitious benchmark for the inaugural Assam Premier League (APL) — getting two to three players from the tournament into the Indian Premier League (IPL). Speaking in Guwahati on 18 August after the Royals sealed their place in the APL semi-finals, Nechim said that outcome alone would validate the league's existence as a genuine talent pipeline for the state.

Fearless Cricket Drives Royals to Semi-Finals

Nechim credited the team's aggressive brand of play for their progression. 'It was a very good match. Our intensity throughout the 40 overs was very good. Our cricket, which I have been saying since the first day, is fearless, attacking cricket. We did that today, and we got the result,' he said.

A notable boost came from the return of Muktar Hussain, who had missed earlier matches due to injury. 'Muktar came back to the team and bowled very well. That is a very good thing for us,' Nechim noted, underlining the importance of a full-strength squad heading into the knockout stage.

Tough Preparation, Limited Time

The Royals' run to the semis came despite a compressed build-up. Nechim revealed the team had only five to six days of preparation time before the tournament, with persistent rain forcing the squad indoors and off the field entirely. 'We were practising indoors. We were not able to use the field,' he said — making the team's cohesion and results all the more noteworthy.

Promising Young Talent on Display

Nechim singled out several players who have caught his eye during the APL. He named Bastab Roy, Vikas Ranjan (a fast bowler from Dibrugarh), Vishal Chahar, Rishabh Deepak, and Guwahati Royals' own Gunjan Jyoti Deka and Nipan Deka as standouts, also highlighting Ayushman Malakar's recent form.

For Nechim, the APL represents a structural leap from the development pathway available during his playing days. 'When we used to play, we would play in the district and state zones. Then we used to get the chance to play at bigger platforms. But now, if you play in these franchise leagues, there is a chance to play in the IPL. So, what can be better than this?' he said.

Semi-Final Focus: Middle Overs and Spin

Looking ahead to the knockout rounds, Nechim identified two specific areas for improvement. 'Right now we are doing well in all three departments. But if we can improve in the middle overs, it will be good. And we should work on the spin department,' he said. He also stressed the importance of maintaining momentum, with the Royals facing another league-stage fixture before the semis. 'I would like to continue this momentum,' he added.

The Assam Premier League, in its inaugural edition, is increasingly being viewed as a model for state-level franchise cricket — and if Nechim's IPL target is met, it could set a template for other regional leagues across India.