Dream date for civic school kids

Wadekar’s team-mate Yogesh Pawar,who was the highest scorer of the day,said,“When I came back to the dressing room,my teammates told me that I played like M Vijay who had given India a solid start on the same ground.”

For Rohit Nadkar,captain of the Raging Bull team that won the under-14 title,playing in front of a vocal crowd was an experience of a lifetime. “I had never played in a stadium before. My hands were shaking while I was batting,” said the 14-year-old student of New Sion High School. The son of a peon,he hit two fours in his 10 runs but that was enough for his team,chasing 49 runs for victory in 10 overs.

Former Test cricketer Kiran More was also overwhelmed. “Kids going to municipal schools are also talented. It is indeed sad that municipal kids don’t take part in inter-school matches,” he said.

Hockey Olympian Mir Ranjan Negi said there should be more such events for underprivileged kids. “The performance of these kids shows that if given a chance they can prove their mettle.”