Ajay Lalcheta

Ajay Vrajlal Lalcheta is an Omani cricketer of Indian origin. A batting allrounder by profession, Lalcheta has represented Saurashtra U-16 and U-19 sides, before heading to Oman due to lack of opportunities in his home country. 

A left-handed batsman and a slow left-arm orthodox bowler, Lalcheta last played for Saurashtra in 2005. Opportunities were hardly coming by and as a result, Lalcheta decided to embark on a new journey and emigrated to Oman. He made his debut for the national side in the 2011 ACC Twenty20 Cup and finished the tournament with 8 wickets at an average of 12.00.

Since the 2012 ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier, Lalcheta has been a regular feature for the Oman side in the ACC and the ICC limited-overs tournaments.

He made his T20I debut for Oman against Hong Kong in 2015. Lalcheta picked up his maiden T20I wicket in the game and was not required to bat as Oman won the match by 6 wickets.

After 4 years of working hard in the shortest format of the game, Lalcheta was handed his maiden ODI cap against Scotland in 2019. 

The Oman team selectors roped in Lalcheta in their squad for the 2021 ICC World T20 and the team management will be counting on his all-round abilities to bail them out of the precarious situations.

It has been quite a fascinating journey so far. Lalcheta started his career in India, but limited opportunities forced him to flee to Oman to kick-start his cricketing dream. Lalcheta is towards the twilight of his career and will be hoping to bow out in style.

(As of September 2021)