WORLD RECORD FOR NORTH KILDARE WICKET-KEEPER?

Yash Kalasannavar achieved the remarkable feat of taking eight catches for North Kildare in their win over Adamstown in the Cricket Leinster league on Sunday.

The 27-year-old scored 64 as North Kildare posted 294 at Oak Hill in County Wicklow. He then put on the gloves and caught eight of the ten wickets to fall in their 89-run victory.

His heroics had statisticians trawling the archives, and it's their belief that not only is it an Irish record, but could well equal a world record in a competitive match.

Ciaran Diviney of Railway Union and Gururaj Kulkarni of Sandyford previously held the Leinster record of seven, while Tahir Rasheed caught eight for Habib Bank in a match in Pakistan.

"Taking eight catches was a great feeling, and it's definitely a day I'll remember for a long time," Kalasannavar told CricketEurope. 

"The first catch to dismiss Sidharth Biju  was probably my favourite because I had to dive full stretch for it. 

"Once I held onto that one, it really set the tone for my day and gave me a lot of confidence behind the stumps. 

"As a wicketkeeper, concentration is key because every chance matters, so I was pleased to contribute whenever an opportunity came my way. 

"Credit has to go to the bowlers as well for creating those chances. What makes it even more special is that it came in a winning cause and helped the team get over the line," he added.

The Indian born cricketer came to Ireland to study for his Masters in 2024, and having completed it, now works in the financial sector.

He has proved a big hit at North Kildare, where he averages over 54 in the 20 matches he has played. Perhaps not surprising given he has played Division One club cricket back in Karnataka.

His strong displays have already grabbed the attention of several Premiership clubs, but he has remained loyal to North Kildare. 

"I get a lot of support from the committee, with Guy Satchwell, Brian Kelleher, Kiran Patil and Ronan Cruise all very helpful. I'm heavily involved in the youth coaching set-up, live and work in Maynooth, while the Maws ground is in close proximity. Also, I don't drive!"

If the affable Yash continues to play like this, then the 'heavy hitters' of the Premiership may be tempted to provide a chauffeur!