Origins in Cricket
I grew up in a chawl in Bandra, Mumbai, where tennis-ball cricket was popular. My older brother played with Ramakant Achrekar in Shivaji Park, and I often joined him for street games. I was considered a decent player, and at one point, someone suggested my family invest in my cricketing talent when I was in the fifth or sixth grade. I had a natural talent, though I lacked power, I could hold my own at the crease.
I attended Bandra Urdu High School, which had a weak cricket team, but during my sixth grade in 1988, we reached the Harris Shield quarter-finals. We faced Shardashram Vidyamandir, where Sachin Tendulkar showcased his prowess, scoring 170 runs against us. After witnessing his talent, my family transferred me to Anjuman-I-Islam for better opportunities.
Awe and Respect
By then, I had heard about Tendulkar and Vinod Kambli. I felt more awe than competitive spirit towards them. Amol Muzumdar also had a great performance during that match, but it was Tendulkar who truly captivated everyone.
School Cricket Experience
My focus at Anjuman-I-Islam shifted entirely to cricket, with the aim of joining the Shatkar Trophy, the Mumbai Cricket Association’s Under-23 tournament. My father, a passionate cricket fan and former player, wanted at least one of his sons to represent the country.
Humble Beginnings
Growing up, my father worked as a bus driver for BEST, making it challenging to afford cricket essentials. While cricket was less expensive back then—Kashmir willow bats costing around Rs 400-500—I still remember how difficult it was to obtain my first bat and equipment.
Path to Mumbai Cricket
I performed well in the Shatkar Trophy but was initially overlooked for the Mumbai team, which disappointed me. However, I persisted and eventually made my mark, earning a spot in the Mumbai Under-16s.
First-Class Debut
I debuted for Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy in the 1995-96 season, though I didn’t play in my first selection. I later scored 314 runs against Saurashtra, a match that solidified my place in the team. The expectations in the Mumbai dressing room were high, and I quickly learned that performance was crucial to maintain my position.
