Guwahati, Assam July 29: For Ujjal Choudhury, cricket has always been more than a game. From practising on local grounds in Tamulpur, Guwahati (Assam) to competing in district and state-level tournaments, the dream of playing on a national stage has been years in the making.
Today, that dream has moved one step closer to reality.
Ujjal Choudhury has been selected among 180 aspiring cricketers chosen from more than 5 lakh registrations received from across India for The Gurukul, SCL60’s flagship cricket reality show and talent development platform.
The selection follows a nationwide talent identification programme that included open trials across 23 cities and residential boot camps conducted across four locations. From more than 5 lakh registrations, only 180 players earned a place in The Gurukul, making the programme one of the most competitive grassroots cricket initiatives in the country.
For Ujjal Choudhury, the achievement represents years of dedication, discipline and hard work. Whether balancing studies, work commitments or travelling long distances for practice sessions, the young cricketer continued to pursue the dream of competing at the highest level.
Speaking about the achievement, Ujjal Choudhury said, “Being part of The Gurukul is much more than just getting selected. Throughout the process, the SCL60 team, coaches and mentors have guided us at every stage and helped us understand what it takes to grow as cricketers. What stood out to me was that every participant was treated with the same level of attention and encouragement, regardless of their background or where they came from. Being selected among 180 players from more than 5 lakh registrations is a proud moment, and I am excited about the opportunity to learn from Robin Sir and the other Gurus as I continue my cricketing journey.”
Ujjal has represented the Tamulpur District U-19 team and was selected for the Assam Cricket Association’s U-19 State Camp for two consecutive years. Ujjal also represented Assam at the India-Nepal Inter-State Invitation T20 & ODI Cup 2025 and competed in the Assam Premier Club Champions League, organised by the Assam Cricket Association. His performances have earned him several accolades, including the Best Bowler award at the India-Nepal Inter-State Invitation Cup 2025, three consecutive Player of the Match awards at the Assam Club Champions League, and the Player of the Tournament award at the U-19 Club Tournament 2026 organised by NF Railway, Guwahati.
Inspired by India’s Guru-Shishya tradition, The Gurukul is designed to provide aspiring cricketers with an immersive learning experience that goes beyond conventional coaching. Participants will live, train and compete together while undergoing assessments focused on skill, temperament, discipline, leadership and coachability.
The selected players will now train under Robin Menon, the first Guru of The Gurukul, and the renowned cricket coach who has helped shape the careers of cricketers including S. Sreesanth, JP Yadav and Tinu Yohannan.
Speaking about his association with The Gurukul, Robin Menon said, “The Guru-Shishya relationship is built on trust, discipline and continuous learning. The Gurukul creates an environment where those values can thrive. What has impressed me most is the quality of talent emerging through the programme. The opportunity to work closely with these players and help prepare them for the next stage of their cricketing journey is something I am genuinely looking forward to.”
Commenting on the selection process, Naresh Pillai, Director, Sportons Media, said, “The response to The Gurukul has been phenomenal and reflects the depth of cricketing talent that exists across India. Our objective is to create meaningful opportunities for aspiring cricketers, regardless of where they come from. We are excited to welcome players like Ujjal Choudhury into The Gurukul and look forward to seeing them learn, compete and grow through the programme.”
The Gurukul forms an integral part of Super Cricket League 60 (SCL60), the world’s first hybrid cricket league that brings together emerging cricketers and experienced cricket personalities within the same competitive ecosystem. Following the reality show, standout performers will progress to the inaugural SCL60 Player Auction, where franchises will build their squads for the league’s debut season.
For Ujjal, the focus remains firmly on the opportunity ahead. The chance to learn from accomplished mentors, compete alongside some of the country’s most promising cricketers and earn a pathway into professional cricket marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in the journey.