India's tour of Ireland: Ex-Maha cricketers Godbole-Kamtekar take a trip down memory lane

Indrajeet Kamtekar (left) and Niranjan Godbole (right) with Cricket Ireland member Billy Boyd during the 2007 India-South Africa series. Pic/Godbole’s personal collection

The Indian cricket team's current tour of Ireland has evoked memories for two 46-year-old former Maharashtra cricketers, Niranjan Godbole and Indrajeet Kamtekar. They were playing club cricket in Ireland when Rahul Dravid's Indian team toured the country in 2007. The tour of Ireland was undertaken ahead of the inaugural Pataudi Trophy Test series and the seven-match ODI series in England.

Godbole and Kamtekar were playing for Lurgan CC and Dunmurry CC respectively in Ireland when the Indian team arrived in Belfast for the Future Cup, a three-match ODI series against South Africa. The Indians endured bitterly cold conditions, as a result, several players were down with viral fever.

Sachin Tendulkar and Rahul Dravid during their 158-run stand in the first ODI against SA at Belfast, Ireland, in 2007. Pic/Getty Images

Meanwhile, Godbole and Kamtekar tapped the right man for match passes - Pune-based coach-cum-manager Chandu Borde - who was happy to oblige them three days before the series opened. Little did they know then that Borde would make a call to them, asking them to join the Indian team in the wake of the team's health crisis. "Borde sir asked us to reach the Hilton Hotel, where the team were staying. He said that MS Dhoni, Ajit Agarkar and S Sreesanth were unwell and we need to be with the Indian team during the first ODI as substitute fielders if required. Even Rakesh Patel [ex-Baroda player], who was playing in England, was asked to join the Indian team for that match," Kamtekar told mid-day. Incidentally, both were in Belfast recently, accompanying a Pune team as coaches.

A dream-come-true moment

For Godbole, who played 24 first-class games, it was like a dream-come-true moment. "It was a life-time memory and a different experience altogether. All cricketers dream of playing for India and share the dressing room with stalwarts of the game. We were so lucky to have such an experience, wearing the India jersey and being part of the team during that ODI match [on June 26, 2007]," Godbole remarked.

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Kamtekar, who represented Maharashtra in 17 first-class games, recalled: "When we reached the ground along with India players and support staff, captain Rahul Dravid told the logistics manager to give us the India jersey and trouser. We were hesitant to wear it, but finally we asked Sachin Tendulkar, who was about to get ready to open the innings. Sachin said, ‘you are a part of the India team today, so feel free. Whatever we [Indian players] are doing, you need to do the same.' It was an overwhelming experience, thanks to Borde sir."

‘Blessed too watch SRT's 99'

Godbole said they enjoyed the practice sessions with fielding coach Robin Singh and bowling coach Venkatesh Prasad. "We also took part in the team huddle before the start of the game. We both have played at this very ground [Civil Service Cricket Ground, Stormont, Belfast] for our respective clubs and have very good memories. But representing India is something we never imagined. We also entered the field of play during the drinks breaks. South Africa won [by four wickets with three balls remaining], but we were blessed to watch Sachin's innings [99] from the dressing room," Godbole added.

Godbole and Kamtekar returned to their club commitments in Belfast after the first ODI. India won the next two games against the South Africans and clinched the series 2-1. Both Pune lads are now hoping Jasprit Bumrah's team emerge triumphant over the hosts in the three-match T20I series starting in Dublin tomorrow.