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ROHIT SHARMA PROVENANCE: Had a modest
childhood in the Mumbai suburb of Borivali. Played in the Under-19 World Cup and was a key member of the triumphant World Twenty20 in South Africa in 2007 and the 2011 one-day World Cup.
X FACTOR: His talent was first
spotted at a camp by coach Dinesh Lad when he was 11. Since then, there hasn’t been any doubt over the explosive talent that the youngster possesses. But more often than not, the big knocks have not come and Rohit, 24, has had to face questions over his attitude and fitness.
OFF THE FIELD: Likes listening to popular Hindi and English chartbusters. WHEELS: A BMW. HOME: Lives in a penthouse in
Mumbai’s trendy suburb, Bandra.
slipping into the twilight of their careers, we can ask the question – who among the young pretenders have it in them to form the new trinity? There is no doubt about the first candidate for this fresh grouping. As Dravid played in what turned out to be the final Test of his illustrious career in Adelaide, Virat Kohli, 23, put his hand up and scored a century to suggest he is one for the long haul. So, at the moment, who are the candidates likely to team up with Virat and form the new bulwark for the India team? The naturally gifted Rohit Sharma, and Cheteshwar Pujara, whose game mirrors that of Rahul Dravid, appear best equipped to guide India in Test cricket. While Tendulkar and Laxman, despite the tough time on the tour to Australia, haven’t spoken their minds about their future as India players, the time is not too far away when the dressing room will wear a different look. It is unfair to compare eras and expect players to live up to the norms laid down by the previous generation. But the current crop of players is not fazed by pressures or expectations. So, what can inject that extra energy into the young shoulders for carrying the hopes of a billion plus over the next decade? HT Brunch expects Virat, Rohit and Cheteshwar to
rekindle the nation’s hopes in the coming years, and script their own stories that can inspire a new wave of younger players. They are not alone, nor are they going to have a free run. Waiting in the wings are the likes of Mumbai batsman Ajinkya Rahane. Suresh Raina, who lost a bit of momentum after being exposed against pace bowling on overseas pitches, is young and still very much in the equation, just like the experienced Manoj Tiwary and Wriddhiman Saha, both from Bengal. Virat, 23, captivated fans with his brilliant batting in Australia and in the Asia Cup, regaining his poise overseas after a shaky Test debut in the West Indies last year. The Delhi batsman is pretty much the product of the times. Articulate and aggressive, he is not apologetic about his over-the-board celebrations, which former greats like Sunil Gavaskar frown upon, or about the way he likes to let his hair down. As a batsman, more than his sound technique, his grit and selfbelief which helped him score his maiden Test century in Adelaide, have been impressive. The former U-19 World Cup winning captain did have a shaky start to his international career, after initially getting caught up in the glitz of the IPL, but people close to him are confident the boy who showed steely resolve to play and bolster the Delhi Ranji team before reaching home for his father’s funeral has put that teenage phase behind him. “Most kids lose focus at that age, but the point is how many get back on track in time. Virat understood quickly that he would be a ‘nobody’ if he didn't get his priorities right,” says his coach RK Sharma.
CUT TO THIRD MAN That pugnacious Pujara can lend solidity to India’s middle order is evident. But how about Suresh Raina, who has flattered to deceive on lively pitches outside CHETESHWAR India, or the stylish PUJARA Manoj Tiwary? For Solid style, straight from other promising Saurashtra batsmen who almost made it to the club of rookies vying to step into Tendulkar, Dravid and Laxman’s shoes, turn to the next page
C PUJARA PROVENANCE: His father Arvind
and uncle Bipin were also cricketers who represented Saurashtra in the Ranji Trophy. First made headlines when he hit three triple tons in a month. His batting is reminiscent of Rahul Dravid.
X FACTOR: Quiet and reticent, Pujara’s batting reflects his personality. After a knee surgery, has played five first class matches. Scored 70 and 71 in the semifinal and final of the Deodhar Trophy, guiding West Zone to victory.
SPEAKING HIS MIND
Virat speaks with rare maturity, taking cricket and lifestyle issues head on. “See, people give the example of those who are very disciplined and totally focused on their game. I don’t have any problem with this kind of image, it is my choice. I know that as long as I perform on the field, I will be fine.” He is also sharp enough not to fall into the comparison trap. “I don’t want the pressure to come on me thinking whose shoes I’m trying to fill. I want to play my natural game.” So, it should come as no surprise that the ambition to play the game at the highest level can be an extension of the youngster’s lifestyle. Virat, for one, shows the same sin-
OFF THE FIELD: Loves watching comedy films, is a fan of Genelia D’Souza and Amitabh Bachchan’s movies. MOBILE RINGTONE: Nirbal O Pyare. FOOD: A vegetarian who
digs his roti, sabzi and dal.
ROLE MODELS: Tendulkar, Dravid and Ganguly.
ON HIS BOOK SHELF: Andre Agassi’s autobiography Open. Photo: REUTERS
APRIL 15, 2012
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