Youngest member gives extra cover

Anmol Sharma, 12, is the youngest member of Government School, Possangipur's U-16 cricket team, which won the Hargopal cricket tournament on Monday. Right through the tournament, Anmol has played a vital role in his team's success.

In their opening match, he was adjudged Man of the Match for his knock of 40 at the top of the order, and he has played an important role on the field as well. On Monday, against DPS RK Puram, rain shortened the match to 15 overs-a-side. Anmol didn't get a chance up the order, since his team needed to step up the run rate.

But showing no signs of disappointment, Anmol, whom his teammates refer to as 'electrifying' on the field, effected a number of diving stops in the cover region. With DPS needing 95 runs in 15 overs, he ultimately made a major difference to his school's tight one-run win.

When it comes to fielding, players of his age usually come up with names like Jonty Rhodes, Herschelle Gibbs or Yuvraj Singh as their idols, but Anmol names Virat Kohli, as the player he looks up to for both his batting and fielding. In fact, he has even watched videos of Rhodes or Gibbs in full throttle, diving around and saving boundaries. "I like Virat Kohli and I want to be like him," he says. Ask him why, he says: "His mannerisms on the field are what attracts me towards him. He stays agile on the field and whatever he does, I try and emulate during the match."

He practices at the Vikaspuri Coaching Centre under the tutelage of Virender Sehwag's coach AN Sharma. A resident of Karkarduma, the youngster is determined to play the game and doesn't mind traveling miles. "I start early from home as my school starts at eight. I travel by the Metro. After my school gets over, I reach the centre and practise there till evening. I drop my kitbag in the centre and take the Metro back home. My parents support me and they want to see me playing for the country one day," he says.

ALSO READ

'If you're afraid of fast bowling, rather go find a different profession like banking'

Express exclusive: Sachin Tendulkar's current form suggests a bounce back may not be possible

The bicycle thieves

Lost & Found Tales