From Narrow Corridors to Championship Glory: How a Wheelchair-Bound Mother Coached UP’s Rising Cricket Star
In the narrow lanes of Punjabi Bagh in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, a compelling cricket story is unfolding far from the spotlight of major stadiums. Arnav, a promising top-order batter, recently guided his state to a national Under-14 championship. Yet, the foundation of his success is unconventional: a makeshift batting net in a hallway, where his primary practice bowler is his mother, Kusum Lata, who uses a wheelchair.
Overcoming Adversity in Saharanpur
Arnav’s rise in the junior domestic circuit is built on family sacrifice. His father, who previously ran a local dairy business, was forced to shut down operations after suffering paralysis. The severe financial strain led Arnav’s elder brother to abandon his own cricket ambitions, taking up employment to fund Arnav’s equipment and academy fees.
“I had a passion for cricket since childhood, but my family’s financial condition was unfavorable. My obsession with cricket never let me stop,” Arnav stated regarding his early struggles.
The Unlikely Coach: A Mother’s Dedication
Lacking access to structured training during his formative years, Kusum stepped in to ensure her son’s development did not stall. Operating from her wheelchair in their home corridor, she bowls daily to Arnav. To improve the quality of his practice sessions, she actively studies professional bowlers during televised matches.
“When my child tells me to bowl in a certain way, I watch matches to improve myself. I try to learn variations and maintain a good length so that his practice improves,” Kusum explained.
Breakthrough in the Raj Singh Dungarpur Trophy
At the Nalanda Cricket Academy, coaches Vikrant and Vivek Sharma identified Arnav’s potential early. Supported by Akram Saifi, chairman of the Saharanpur Cricket Association, Arnav earned a spot on the Uttar Pradesh Under-14 squad. His defining performance came in January during the Raj Singh Dungarpur Trophy.
Arnav’s Under-14 Tournament Statistics
| Tournament | Matches Played | Total Runs | Highest Score | Team Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Raj Singh Dungarpur Trophy | 5 | 166 | 48 | Champions |
The team’s championship run culminated in a felicitation ceremony in New Delhi, hosted by Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) vice-president Rajeev Shukla. This recognition marked a major milestone for the Saharanpur native.
Looking Ahead: Under-16 Trials
Drawing inspiration from Indian national team stalwarts Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, Arnav is now targeting the next age-group tier. He recently appeared for the Uttar Pradesh Under-16 state trials, aiming to cement his place in the upper echelons of junior domestic cricket.
- Current Status: Competing in UP Under-16 selection trials.
- Primary Idols: Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma.
- Key Support System: Nalanda Cricket Academy and Saharanpur Cricket Association.