5 Indian Cricketers who Battled Poverty Before Becoming Superstars
Cricket is often said to be The Gentlemen’s Game, but not everyone who plays could have been a lavish gentleman by birth. Everyone has to have that talent and perseverance to be a part of the national team, however, not everyone’s struggles are limited to the game. Some cricketers have struggled even to get a proper meal or a proper place to sleep!
Here are 5 cricketers who really made it big and are a live example of Rags to Pitches!
1. Hardik Pandya & Krunal Pandya
Be it match-winning shots, or increasing the strike rate exponentially, or even taking out some wickets, the Pandya Brothers have made their name in cricket. He and his brother come from a very poor family; his father did some odd jobs to make ends meet. When his father had a heart-attack, Pandya Brothers had to play to support their family, sometimes surviving on a maggie for a whole day!
2. Ravindra Jadeja
Ravindra Jadeja’s father was a security guard; coming from a rough childhood, this man has really made it big. However, there was a moment when he almost quit cricket in 2005, when his mother died of a heart attack. But then his father and sister supported him and soon in 2008, he was selected in the U-19 squad. And the rest is known to everyone! Sir Jadeja’s life has really been an inspiring one!
3. Zaheer Khan
Zaheer Khan is a great name in the history of pacers, not only in India but internationally as well. In fact, apart from Kapil Dev, he is the only Indian bowler to have had taken more than 300 wickets in international test cricket! After being selected in Mumbai Cricket Club, he came to live in Mumbai with his aunt. Many times, he went to play with an empty stomach and slept without any blanket or pillow until he got a steady paying job, and after that, Zaheer Khan’s glory still shines in the world of pacers!
4. Mohammed Shami
Being a farmer’s son, it was a difficult childhood for him, nevertheless, his father always supported him. Later, he resettled in Kolkata and earned a mere 500 Rs. per month. From sleeping in tents on grounds to being known to the whole world as A Great Bowler, Shami has worked very hard and has come a long way!
5. Umesh Yadav
His, is a rather interesting story, son to a coal-mine worker, he didn’t even have enough money to play with a leather cricket ball. He only used to play tennis ball cricket and had plans to go into the Army or Police. His friend encouraged him to try his luck with Leather Ball, and the rest is history! He is a great gem for Indian Cricket and achieved greatness despite all odds!
