If I had got one opportunity in Tests, then maybe I would have been satisfied today: Ashok Dinda

Ashok Dinda, the fast-bowler from Bengal, recently retired from all forms of cricket. The pacer was once one of the best fast-bowlers going around through the domestic circles in India. He played for India as well in 13 ODIs and 9 T20Is. However, for someone who was one of the best bowlers in Ranji Trophy cricket, it was disappointing that he didn’t play for India in Test cricket.

In a recent interaction, after announcing his retirement, Dinda revealed his desire to represent India in Tests. He ended up playing 116 first-class matches where he took 420 wickets. With that record, some would be surprised how he didn’t play a single Test match for the Indian team.

During the interaction, he stated that he was determined that until he plays Test cricket for India, he won’t sit quietly. He was one of the consistent bowlers in Ranji Trophy during the 2010s. He was the leading wicket-taker for Bengal in eight of the Ranji seasons between 2010-11 and 2018-19.

There was only one thing in my mind – ‘Until I get the Test number, I will not sit quietly: Ashok Dinda

“Of course, any cricketer who starts playing (seriously) has a desire for playing for India. After playing for India (in ODI and T20) and taking so many wickets in domestic cricket, there was only one thing in my mind – ‘Until I get the Test number, I will not sit quietly.’ I always had that inside me,” said Dinda while speaking to Sportskeeda.

After this, he recalled the time when he was picked in the squad for the Indian Test team after he had a terrific season with the ball for Bengal. “In fact, I was picked in the Test team for the India-England series and India-Australia series after taking 59 wickets in domestic cricket. But I never made my Test debut. I was on standby for eight matches but didn’t get a chance to make my debut. If I had got one opportunity in Tests, then maybe I would have been satisfied today,” added Dinda.

Dinda played for India between 2009 and 2013. He had impressed several experts when he had arrived on the scene in the IPL 2008. He was part of the Kolkata Knight Riders team. The 36-year-old played a handful matches for India A as well.

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