Dil Se - By Ashraf Rajguru about Ajay Merchant

Silent Assassin & Sharp Shooter – Ajay Merchant
The DCL Founder, i believe if not then definitely one of the Founders of DCL League - which was started in the 90’s, Ajay Merchant has been the creator of GLCC (Great Lakes Cricket Club) team and the pillar of the many a victories and championships acquired by GLCC and other teams (Chrysler) before that. I feel it’s appropriate to recognize this person who had a major share in starting DCL league which so many people enjoy today playing Cricket currently and who is the proud owner of highest number of DCL championships (to my knowledge). GLCC has the privilege of having the talent and resources of Ajay Merchant as an opener along with other Ajay (who is currently leading the Cougars charge), a fielder and a great thinker and mentor. Having the two Ajay’s open for us was similar to having M&M’s, every one of us wanting more and more of them.

When you talk about GLCC you generally think of the Vijay’s, Srini’s and the Samish’s, but Ajay M has gone unnoticed performing week after week throughout his career span with DCL of 14 years. I’m sure he is delighted to have Happy Memories of DCL Victories along with the showcase of the Trophies at Home, indirectly assisting him to also get permission from the Home Boss to play for one more year every year. He has been an integral part of the GLCC core for a long time and will continue to do so irrespective of his age.

For those of you guys who still can’t recollect Ajay M, just think of guy who has the flourishing cover drive in the DCL league, if that doesn’t compute then think of the guy with the Orange cap in GLCC team I know that’s easy. He mostly keeps a low profile being reserved but is a very humble and helpful person. In many of the victories – he has single handedly stood against the fearsome formidable attacks. 8 times out of 10, Ajay has provided a stable openings platform allowing other batsmen to play freely where he would anchor one end, Megs will testify to his approach in the 2007 Finals where he single handedly stood against their Attack which consisted of the great Jeet, Ranga, Gautam, Raghu & Binod. He has continued to be a useful bowler providing breakthroughs whenever needed, but has not been bowling enough these days. Ajay Merchant is a hardcore Team man ready to do whatever is needed for the team.

One striking feature of Ajay in the field is that he provides excellent fielding support (like a cheetah) in the field, putting some of the younger Team members to shame with his diving and catching. His Mantra “Catches wins Matches” has made GLCC strive better in the field.

There have been instances where I have been a witness to some DCL members in the past pointing out Ajay's slow play but what would they know to have so many trophies in their showcase. I feel bad for them. It’s been Ajay’s resolute Temperament that no one has yet been able to get under his skin on the field. There have been too many incidents where Ajay has made GLCC proud and will need hours to recount them. Ajay has tremendous experience and knows which shots to avoid when playing with t-ball. Even though he possesses every shot in the book, he plays only the ones that give him high returns with low risk. Most teams make a mistake of assuming that he doesn't have enough BIG shots to score quickly but who needs the Big strokes when you can milk the bowling like his sweetly timed drives on both sides of the wicket.

Ajay was also made honorary Chief Guest in the Night Tournament conducted by Hamid and Rehan Mallick in 2008.

Some of the memorable moments:

Ajay was the spearhead of GLCC batting in the years 2003 and 2004 when GLCC won back to back cups. In that time, he played through (25 overs or the whole innings) numerous times. He along with Ajay C are my best opening pair in DCL history.

Ajay's 17 was the top score for any GLCC batsman in 2004 finals. Taking on the best bowling attack in the league - Megabytes. He made sure that GLCC reached a respectable score after a top order collapse.

Then again in 2007, he stuck to the wicket for 17 overs to see GLCC through against some hostile Megabytes bowling.

GLCC vividly remembers some of his breathtaking catches that have triggered the opposition collapses. He is especially dangerous when he has missed out on his batting.


Ajay - We look forward to many more special innings from you and Special Thanks to Mrs. Ajay Merchant (Hetal) for allowing Ajay to continue be a part of us.