When umpire Ulhas Gandhe walks out on the iconic Eden Gardens turf to officiate the match between Bengal and Punjab on 30th January, 2025, it will be a momentous occasion for him and his family. He will achieve the remarkable milestone of umpiring in 100 First-class matches as a BCCI umpire.
It's been a storied journey in cricket for Gandhe, who began his career as a player before transitioning to umpiring.
"The prospect of standing on the field at Eden Gardens for my 100th First-class game feels surreal," Gandhe beams with pride. "This venue holds a special place in cricket history, and being part of it for such a personal milestone is deeply emotional. It’s a moment I’ll cherish forever, not just for the significance of the number but for the memories it will create at such an iconic ground," he adds.
Gandhe's passion for the game initially drove him to play cricket, and later, to pursue umpiring. A former First-class player from Vidarbha, Gandhe made his playing debut against Maharashtra in Nagpur in the 1993-94 Ranji Trophy season. Primarily a middle-order batter who could also bowl leg spin, Gandhe went on to play 37 First-class matches, scoring 1320 runs and picking up 21 wickets. Additionally, he played 25 List A matches, amassing 403 runs, along with nine wickets.
Even after his playing days, Gandhe's love for cricket remained undiminished. Determined to stay connected to the sport, he decided to build a career in umpiring after retiring as a player.
Gandhe's cricketing background has been of immense help in his umpiring career.
"My years as a cricketer have been a solid foundation for my umpiring career,” Gandhe explains. “Understanding the game from a player’s perspective helps me anticipate situations before they unfold. I can empathize with the players’ mindsets and manage interactions during high-pressure moments. This background has been invaluable in making accurate decisions and maintaining harmony on the field,” he adds.
A government employee of the Office of the Principal Accountant General (A&E) II, Maharashtra, Nagpur, Gandhe is from the 2006 batch of BCCI Umpires. He took his first step toward officiating by clearing the umpiring exam conducted by the BCCI for former First-class players in 2006.
He soon made his First-class debut as an umpire in November 2008, walking out to officiate in the Ranji Trophy match between Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu in Nashik. With hard work and consistency, he progressed through the ranks, earning opportunities to officiate in County matches in England in 2019.
It's been a remarkable journey so far for Gandhe, having officiated as a field umpire in 89 Ranji Trophy matches, three Duleep Trophy matches, four tour matches, and three County Championship matches (England domestic matches in 2019). In addition, he has officiated in more than 300 Board matches across formats, including List-A and T20 matches, and has also served as a Field Umpire in 30 IPL matches from 2019 to 2024.
"This journey has been filled with thrilling moments and valuable lessons," Gandhe says. "Every match has taught me something new, especially about resilience. There have been mistakes along the way, but each one has made me stronger and more determined to improve. This profession has shown me the importance of bouncing back and staying focused, no matter the challenges."
Being assigned challenging roles and responsibilities has been Gandhe's biggest motivation.
"Each season brings new opportunities, and the BCCI’s trust in assigning me high-stakes, challenging matches has been my biggest motivation," Gandhe reflects. "It’s like a pat on the back, reminding me that my efforts and dedication are recognized. It pushes me to give my best every single time I step onto the field."
Yes, it's a special milestone, but Gandhe isn't getting overawed by the occasion. He will approach the landmark match with the same passion, focus, and determination as the rest 99.
"Honestly, while I’m incredibly proud of this achievement, it's another special moment for me and my family after my elder brother Pritam played more than 100 First-class matches. I am grateful to my family, the Vidarbha Cricket Association, the BCCI, my employers, and all my friends and colleagues who have supported me in this wonderful journey.
“My focus will remain on doing my job with the same dedication and precision as always. The true celebration is knowing that I’ve reached this point with hard work, perseverance, and love for the game," Gandhe signs off.
