CELEBRATING DHIRAJ NAGPAL
The cricketing community in Indonesia suffered a grave loss with the sudden passing of Dhiraj Nagpal this morning due to a massive heart-attack. Over many years, Dhiraj has been deeply involved in several aspects of cricket development in Indonesia and his legacy of contribution is huge.
He started off playing for Senayan CC way back in the 90s and then moved to India XI with whom he spent most of his illustrious career even till as recently as the currently ongoing R. P. Singh Memorial cup where he created history by claiming his 3rd hat-trick. His career, especially in the recent past is very illuminating on the differences between Fast bowling & swing bowling.
Beyond being a match-winning bowler and a very involved captain (even when he wasn’t one), it is Dhiraj’s contribution in cricket development that define his legacy. A JCA Lifetime Achievement awardee, Dhiraj was involved in virtually every aspect of cricket in Indonesia.
As JCA’s longest serving treasurer, he re-defined the role of a treasurer. Not only by finding and growing the treasure (the bank balance grew almost 20x in his reign) but also by being a very diligent & even pugnacious defender of this treasure. Both of these were critical in the investments we had to make in umpiring, infra development etc and without his earnest commitment, none of this would have been possible
Dhiraj never needed a title or a designation to get involved. He would umpire games and help coach umpires, his meticulousness in scoring is legendary, he ran drinks and even ran laps (much harder than running drinks) as manager for the Indonesian national team. During the various Annual Gala dinners we have had, Dhiraj would be the most visible person being involved in everything- printing the tickets, distributing it, collecting the money, seating people, pausing for a few drinks, back to giving trophies, receiving them etc. etc. He loved the Dinners and we loved him for it and Johnny Walker loved him even more for it.
Besides his myriad contributions, Dhiraj was also a picture of National/ International integration. The Sindhi in him came out whenever there was a request to the Treasurer. That then gave way to the Punjabi in him when he was pouring out your drinks. The Bengalis could connect with him whenever he in a very Saurav Ganguly type fashion would make everyone on the ground wait and the Indonesian in him was evident as the inveterate foodie. There were so many Dhiraj’s and all of them meant well and reflected his giant heart.
We are still wondering as to what was the hurry for him to leave so soon, so young, especially considering he was always the last to a meeting or a match. But then, maybe he wanted to leave on a High, having achieved the Hat-trick of Hat-tricks.
We will miss you Dhiraj, but your many contributions will be Treasured forever. Farewell and Keep the Johnny Walker flowing up there.
Here is a link to many memories of Dhiraj https://photos.app.goo.gl/KBE2a3gCJZJLaWi96
