RECORD-BREAKING all-rounder Anupam Sanklecha returned to India reflecting on a memorable season for Shipton-under-Wychwood.

The 35-year-old overseas star, known as ‘Pam’, was almost unplayable in this year’s Home Counties Premier League.

Sanklecha broke the west Oxfordshire side’s record for most wickets in a season – which he previously held with 55 in 2014 – with two matches remaining, and finished the Division 2 campaign with 63.

He also claimed an outstanding three eight-wicket hauls, bettering Shipton’s – and his own – best figures of 8-70 in taking 8-62, 8-14 and, remarkably, 8-8.

Sanklecha, who has been Shipton’s overseas player since 2014, says the reason behind it is the English weather – the conditions are perfect for his type of bowling.

“This was my fourth year and I’m really loving it,” he said.

“I play on more dry pitches in India and when I come over here it’s very friendly for this bowling.

“Especially with the weather being colder and a lot of cloud, it helps me to swing the ball.

“I have a bit more confidence bowling here, so it’s quite easy.”

Sanklecha took seven five-wicket hauls and more than 50 per cent of Shipton’s wickets, with an economy rate of 3.21 and an average of 10.87.

Sanklecha said: “You can’t plan to pick up eight wickets.

“I did not expect it once, but it happened three times.

“I was just trying to bowl stump to stump and focusing on attacking.

“When I break records, I really enjoy that.”

His exploits have seen him grab the headlines on a number of occasions and Sanklecha savours the publicity.

“Because of the Oxford Mail I get a lot of exposure,” he said.

“Most people read it a lot and I’m like a local guy now, most of them know me through the paper.

“There’s definitely a reaction, it’s a big newspaper and when you are in the headlines, it feels great.”

So will Sanklecha be returning to Shipton in 2018?

“It’s like my second home now and the people take care of me,” he said.

“You never know, but I will try to be here next year.”