Guwahati, 11 August (HS): Guwahati Royals climbed to the top of the Imperial Blue Packaged Drinking Water Assam Premier League 2026 standings after handing Dibrugarh Warriors their first defeat of the tournament. Purple Cap holder Deepak Gohain once again played a key role with the ball.

The Royals now have eight points from five matches, moving ahead of Dibrugarh Warriors on net run rate. Both teams have registered four wins each.

Gohain has been the tournament's leading wicket-taker, claiming 12 wickets in five matches at an economy rate of exactly 5.00 and an average of 8.33. His best bowling figures are 3/11.

Reflecting on his impressive run, the 33-year-old left-arm spinner said experience has helped him understand match situations and adapt his bowling according to the conditions and opposition.

“Experience helps a lot. When you are playing a big tournament like this, the experience is useful in match situations. You can understand how to bowl on which wicket and how to bowl to which batsman,” Gohain said.

Gohain said the victory over Dibrugarh was particularly important as the Royals had never defeated the side previously. He credited the team for executing its plans and focusing on the basics.

He also revealed that variations in pace and bowling in the right areas have been central to his success. According to Gohain, restricting batters for room has consistently helped him gain an advantage.

With four wins from five matches, the Royals are high on confidence. Gohain credited the team's settled dressing room and the coaching staff for maintaining a calm atmosphere.

“Our coach is doing a brilliant job to ensure that the dugout always remains calm. That enables the players to play more freely and focus on what their role is,” he said.

Gohain added that the team is taking the tournament one match at a time and avoiding unnecessary pressure. “We don't want to look too far ahead. That's the message from our coaches and the support staff,” he said.-----------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash