Differently-abled Gurudas Raut hopes to impress Virat Kohli in the nets

A very well known adage says, ‘where there is a will, there is a way’. This goes down perfectly to describe the courage and determination of differently-abled Indian cricketer Gurudas Raut. Raut, who was born without a left arm, is a cricketer in the Indian team for the disabled. Over the years, he has been bowling as a net bowler whenever the Indian team visits Nagpur.

Now, ahead of the final ODI between India and Australia, Gurudas Raut is all set to bowl to the likes of Virat Kohli. As per the recent quotes in the Hindustan Times, the bowler recalled how people used to mock him for his disability. But, he persisted and persevered for his dream and is a cricketer now.

“I remember people used to mock, threaten and bully me, and over everything, question how I would be a cricketer with a left arm. Well, today I am what I am. My interest in cricket started with watching the game on television. But being disabled, I knew these were distant dreams,” quoted Gurudas Raut.

“I used to hear comments like ‘You’re handicapped. Stay safe or else you’ll lose your other hand as well.’ It took me some time, but I realised they won’t ever stop and it’s better if I don’t pay heed to their remarks,” he added.

Bowling out Sachin Tendulkar

His fond and proud memories from the game of cricket include the time when he managed to bowl out legendary Indian batsman Sachin Tendulkar in the nets. Also, he proudly recalls the time when he hit Irfan Pathan for a boundary in a session back in the year 2011. Among the other cherished moments, he recalled the time when he took three catches on the boundary ropes when David Miller was practising at the venue. Gurudas Raut spoke out the story that inspired him to become a cricketer.

“One day I was standing next to the Reshimbagh cricket ground (a local club) where the batsman had hit a six and the ball was going to hit us. I was sipping tea with my friend. With no alternative, I had to throw the cup away and catch the ball one-handed. That was my introduction to leather-ball cricket. I didn’t even know there were official teams for people like us back then. Uttam Mishra, my sir, got me enrolled in a club. There, the coach provided me with necessary equipment,” recalled the gifted cricketer.