Uttarakhand all-rounder J. Suchith says state side 'is not a small team anymore'

J. Suchith told a gathering in Chennai on Friday that Uttarakhand have shed their underdog label following their recent Ranji Trophy progress and now produce bigger performances.

Uttarakhand joined the domestic cricket circuit in 2018 and made its maiden Ranji Trophy semifinal appearance last year, a run the player described as coming in the same season that Jammu & Kashmir’s title win dominated domestic headlines in 2025-26.

Suchith was instrumental in Uttarakhand’s campaign, finishing as the team’s second-highest run-scorer with 454 runs and its second-highest wicket-taker with 26 wickets. “My role has been clear from the very beginning. As a professional, it’s not only about performing but also helping the local boys become better cricketers. Also, tactically, being there when the captain needs me, considering my experience,” Suchith explained during a chat here on Friday. “I play the No. 6 role and bat with the tail whenever possible. In the Ranji Trophy, when the team goes all the way, the lower-order runs count the most. I think we were able to do that really well last season.”

“Since the 2021-22 season, Uttarakhand has made the knockouts thrice in five years,” Suchith noted while pointing to growing recognition for players from smaller states. “You saw someone like Auqib Nabi play for India. If someone from Uttarakhand takes 50-60 wickets, he will be recognised too. He will go on to play for the country, which wasn’t the case a couple of years ago. Players might get a big IPL contract also. We are not a small team anymore and are putting in a lot of big performances,” he said.

The 32-year-old, a former Karnataka player, said a desire to make the most of his remaining years at the top keeps him motivated and drives his commitment to Uttarakhand’s setup. He acknowledged that he felt he had not fully realised his potential in his home state and wanted to demonstrate he could still perform at the highest level.

“Uttarakhand has allowed me to make sure that I fulfil that dream in whatever way it is. I think it’s about being content with the preparation I have done so far in my cricketing journey and making sure I haven’t left any stone unturned. When I retire, I probably shouldn’t have any regrets,” added Suchith.