Assam pacer Sunil Lachit called up for Chennai Super Kings trials

Assam left-arm fast bowler Sunil Lachit has been invited to trials held by Indian Premier League franchise Chennai Super Kings (CSK), his Assam Premier League (APL) team Nagaon Rangers announced on social media, Pratidin Time reported on Sunday.

Nagaon Rangers called the call-up a significant milestone in the 26-year-old's career and a proud moment for the franchise, crediting his hard work and dedication, and urged him to make the most of the opportunity.

From Ranji debut to the APL

Lachit has been part of the Assam set-up for a few seasons. He made his first-class debut against Saurashtra in the 2022-23 Ranji Trophy.

The inaugural APL, which began on August 1 with eight teams and 43 matches, gave him a bigger platform, and he was one of Nagaon Rangers' leading bowlers. He took two wickets as Nagaon held Charaideo Sunrisers to 139 for 9 and then won by ten wickets, the first ten-wicket win of the tournament. His best return was 4 for 23 in four overs against Dibrugarh Warriors in a rain-shortened match, though Nagaon fell just short, finishing on 120 for 9 while chasing 122.

Big stage for a domestic pacer

For a bowler who has so far played mainly in Assam's domestic and state-level competitions, the trial is a chance to bowl in front of the coaching and scouting staff of one of the IPL's most successful franchises. Left-arm seamers are prized in T20 cricket because of the angle they create, especially with the new ball and at the death.

Assam has produced IPL players before, most notably Riyan Parag of Guwahati, who has been with Rajasthan Royals since 2019. The APL was started partly to give more cricketers from the state that kind of exposure.

What comes next

A trial call-up does not guarantee a contract. IPL franchises run trials ahead of the player auction to scout uncapped domestic players, and a good showing can put a player on a team's shortlist. Players from the Northeast have only rarely made it into IPL squads, so a strong trial would be a notable step for cricket in Assam and the wider region.