Origins in Cricket
I fell in love with cricket while living in Bandra, Mumbai. In our chawl, we had a tennis-ball cricket team. My elder brother played under renowned coach Ramakant Achrekar, and I would join him on the streets occasionally. I showed promise as a decent player. A local suggested to my family to invest in my cricketing potential when I was in fifth or sixth grade.
School Days
I studied at Bandra Urdu High School, which didn’t have a strong team, but we made it to the Harris Shield pre-quarters in 1988. We faced Sachin Tendulkar’s team, and he scored an impressive 170 runs, hitting several sixes. Inspired by that experience, my family moved me to Anjuman-I-Islam for a better chance at cricket.
Awe for Tendulkar and Kambli
When I heard of Tendulkar and Vinod Kambli, I felt more awe than rivalry. In a game where Amol Muzumdar scored a double-century, Sachin was in a league of his own, captivating everyone around.
Respect for Umpires
During my time, we were taught to respect the umpires deeply. If an appeal was turned down, the whole team would express their apologies. Being courteous was essential for favorable decisions.
Focus on Cricket
After joining Anjuman-I-Islam, my family’s conversations revolved around advancing in cricket, especially aiming for the Shatkar Trophy. I dedicated myself entirely to cricket—my father, a passionate fan, dreamed of one of his sons representing the nation.
Overcoming Challenges
Despite our humble beginnings, cricket was comparatively affordable back then. Bats cost around ₹400-500 for Kashmir willow, making it manageable for my father’s modest income. I vividly remember the effort it took to get my first bat, facing challenges for basic gear like shoes.
Path to Professional Cricket
I faced early setbacks in the Shatkar Trophy but persisted, scoring more runs the following season, eventually making the Mumbai Under-16s. Opportunities arose slowly, including a job offer from Indian Oil at just 18. My debut for Mumbai came under captain Sanjay Manjrekar, and despite a rocky start, I eventually found success in matches that followed.
