Team Gymkhana,
As we kick off the 2026 MSCL season this weekend, it’s important we pause and recognize a few individuals who made this possible.
A big thank you to Pratikesh and Kawal for bringing structure, discipline, and consistency through the off-season. Their time, effort, and commitment—especially in integrating new members—have been exceptional. Many of those new faces will be playing their first MSCL match for BGSC this weekend.
We have 30+ new members this year—the highest intake in recent memory. That’s no small feat.
Ashish, along with a few others, has also contributed immensely behind the scenes—thank you.
BGSC-F
Thanks to the off-season work led by Pratikesh, Kawal, and Ashish—and the steady effort over the past several weeks—we now have a BGSC-F roster of 26 players.
This may seem large, but experience tells us otherwise.
In 2025, we struggled to field a consistent XI week after week. We do not want to repeat that. It’s unfair to the club, the team, and to each of us.
Availability Reality Check
Based on early conversations, availability will be a real challenge this season:
- Raja Tummla — out ~5 weeks (July)
- Manik — likely available only after June
- Pratik — out a couple of weeks in summer
- Parak, Rajiv, Dilip, Deepak — touring cricket commitments
- John S, Pawandeep, Shashi, Jasjit, Harmeet, Kanwar — golf weekends
- Simranjit — working most weekends
…and that’s just what we know today.
You can see how quickly a 26-player roster shrinks to 8–10 available players on any given weekend.
The reality is:
- Touring cricket
- Golf weekends
- Vacations & social commitments
- Injuries and last-minute drop-offs
Even with 26, this is barely enough to consistently field a XI.
There will be days when 18–20 players are available—and others when we are scrambling with 8–9.
Our goal must be simple: always show up with a XII (and ideally a XIIIth man).
Selection & Expectations
When we have surplus availability, selection will be challenging.
We will take a balanced and nuanced approach—not just a “cricket-only” filter.
- Everyone in this squad deserves fair opportunities
-
Over the season:
- ~4–6 players may play ~80% of games
- ~4–8 players around ~50%
- Others based on availability and rotation
This is the only way we stay functional across the full season.
Also, let’s be clear:
👉 The XIIth man is a playing role.
We will need one every game—treat it with the same seriousness as being in the XI.
What We Stand For
This is not a cricket-only team.
This is a team that also plays cricket.
Food. Facilities. Nets. Socials. Family. Camaraderie. Poker. Pickleball. Whisky+.
This is what has held us together for decades.
If this was only about cricket, we would have drifted apart long ago.
On the Field
We are currently the highest-ranked BGSC team—though we started at the very bottom.
We are a mixed bag. Our opponents will often be:
- Younger
- Faster
- Stronger (on paper)
So we will rely on:
- Experience
- Game awareness
- Tactical sharpness
There will be tough days. There will be good days.
But one thing I am certain of—
👉 We will be outstanding off the field.
Here’s to a strong, enjoyable, and memorable season.
Rabb Rakha
Bikram Singh
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