They spent their cricketing life not only on the field of play, but also in train bogeys, uncomfortable and comfortable. At times, dormitories were where they slept to be fresh for Ranji Trophy and inter-railway games. But last Saturday they were all nestled in a hall at the Police Gymkhana on Marine Drive, to enjoy a reunion full of memories and camaraderie.

A bunch of former Mumbai-based and outstation Western Railway cricketers brought their reunion plans to fruition in style.  It all started when Shrikant Kharge, known to make telephone calls to wish mates (instead of text messages) on their birthdays, made one such call to wish  his ex-Western Railway teammate Mukhtar Ibji on his July 18 birthday. Ibji urged Thane-based Kharge to come over for a meal in South Mumbai. And Kharge said jokingly that he would get the entire cricket team. That’s where the idea of a proper reunion came about. Players were contacted. Rajkot-based Sudhir Tanna confirmed and so did Amar Singh Negi while Brij Dutta from Saurashtra couldn’t make it.