Kunal Saikia. Picture by Pronib Das

Dibrugarh, Dec. 19: Injured Ranji wicketkeeper-batsman Kunal Saikia, a student of Lakhimpur Commerce College, chose the Dibrugarh University inter-college cricket tournament, to test his fitness. Saikia spoke to The Telegraph on the sidelines of the tournament that concluded yesterday with his alma mater lifting the trophy. Excerpts:

On university cricket meet:

KS: I am amazed. Frankly, I had not thought that the standards would be so high at the inter-college cricket level; the conditions were good, so was the competition. There were several young players who performed well ... they now need more exposure. The Dibrugarh University sports board deserves credit for holding such a competitive meet.

On his own form:

I was playing for the first time in an inter-college meet. Our college had never crossed the qualifying rounds. It always feels good to captain the winning side. All credit to the team and our college for backing us. I did not have much opportunity. Despite scoring 18 not out, 65, 28 and 14 not out, I am satisfied with my performance after the operation.

On his fitness:

I had a tear in the ligament of my left leg. I underwent an operation in Mumbai on July 10 under Dr Anant Joshi. I am totally fit; there is absolutely no problem now.

On why he preferred to bowl (eight wickets from four matches) despite being a wicketkeeper:

There are two reasons for that. Firstly, we were a bowler short and I decided to fill in the gap as a part timer. Secondly, Dr Joshi advised me to remain active on the field and keeping wickets does not allow me to do a lot of running around.

On whether he may take up bowling as an option to wicketkeeping:

Not at all. I am a wicketkeeper-batsmen and I will focus on that. I am eager to be back in the state Ranji side. My performance will determine my future goals.