Chetan Jadhav’s Early Encounter with Abhigyan Kundu
When Chetan Jadhav, a cricket coach in Navi Mumbai, first witnessed five-year-old Abhigyan Kundu swing a plastic bat, he enthusiastically declared, “Tu mera India player banega.” This statement, however, wasn’t a reflection of Abhigyan’s cricketing abilities at the time, as he struggled to even connect the bat with the ball. Instead, it was Jadhav’s desperation to nurture a promising talent in an area where cricket often took a backseat to academics.
Jadhav’s Disappointment with Local Talent
Previously, Jadhav had hoped that another young cricketer, Sourabh Patil, might reach significant heights in the sport, only to see him abandon cricket for medical studies. This left Jadhav disheartened, as he grappled with the limited aspirations for cricket in Navi Mumbai, a city with little history in the sport.
Cultural Constraints in Navi Mumbai
Navi Mumbai, envisioned by Charles Correa in the 1970s as a solution to Mumbai’s congestion, has instead developed into a commuting hub where residents prioritize academic success over sports. This cultural backdrop posed a challenge for Jadhav, who was eager to find serious cricketers committed to training regularly.
Overcoming Initial Doubts
When Sourabh introduced Abhigyan to Jadhav, the coach was skeptical about whether the boy would pursue cricket seriously, given his family’s academic inclinations. Jadhav’s past experiences made him wary of prioritizing training over education, fearing that he would only become a caretaker coach yet again.
Breaking Through with Training
Despite Jadhav’s initial doubts, he was grateful that Abhigyan’s parents allowed him to dedicate time to training. Once given the opportunity, Jadhav implemented rigorous training routines, including weight training and hitting thousands of balls each day, and instilled lessons from his own mentor, Ramakant Achrekar.
Abhigyan’s Impressive Achievements
As Abhigyan grew in skill, Jadhav soon recognized his exceptional talent. By the age of 14, Kundu had astonishing statistics, including nine double centuries and notable selections for Mumbai’s Under-16 team. His rise continued, and he eventually earned captaincy in the Under-19 team, showcasing remarkable performances in international tournaments.
Jadhav’s Aspirations for Future Stars
With Kundu’s success, Jadhav now hopes to cultivate another cricket talent, focusing on his own son while also mentoring Kundu’s younger sister, Avika. For Abhigyan, however, the immediate concern isn’t his cricketing future but rather the upcoming board exams.
