Meet Sourav Ganguly’s teammate who is now an inspector in Indian customs

Dubai: Not many cricketers can say they have shared the dressing room with Sourav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid, and Sachin Tendulkar — and later gone on to clear the UPSC Civil Services Examination. Amay Khurasiya, a stylish left-handed batter from Madhya Pradesh, is that rare exception.

Khurasiya played for India between 1999 and 2001, most notably making a dazzling half-century on debut against Sri Lanka in Pune. He was part of the 1999 ICC Cricket World Cup squad, rubbing shoulders with the golden generation of Indian cricket, including Ganguly, Tendulkar, Dravid, Anil Kumble, and Virender Sehwag. In total, he featured in 12 ODIs, scoring 149 runs, with his best innings coming on debut.

While his international career was short-lived, Khurasiya flourished in domestic cricket. Over 17 seasons for Madhya Pradesh, he amassed 7,304 runs in 119 first-class matches, including 21 centuries and 31 half-centuries.

But what sets him apart is his success off the field. Khurasiya is the only Indian cricketer to have cracked the UPSC Civil Services Examination before making his India debut. Today, he serves as an Inspector in Indian Customs & Central Excise, balancing public service with his love for the game.

His cricketing journey did not end with retirement in 2007. As a coach, Khurasiya has nurtured talents like Rajat Patidar and Avesh Khan, ensuring his legacy continues through the next generation. In 2024, he took charge as head coach of Kerala’s Ranji Trophy team and guided them to their maiden Ranji Trophy final — a historic achievement that earned nationwide recognition.

From playing alongside Ganguly to serving the nation in customs, Khurasiya’s journey is a rare blend of cricketing passion and academic excellence.