The inspiring story of India U19 wicketkeeper-batsman Anuj Rawat

Anuj Rawat has seemingly become a household name within his district after being named the India U19 captain by Rahul Dravid. The 18-year old who is a wicketkeeper-batsman, however, has a rather inspiring story to share. Having been brought up in a farming background, Rawat’s father Virendra Pal Singh had a dream that his son would and should play cricket for India. He also added that if he had a chance of making it, the training would have to happen in New Delhi.

In addition to this, Rawat will now be the point man for Anuj Rawat has seemingly become a household name within his district after being named the India U19 captain by Rahul Dravid. However, the 18-year old will have his task cut out as skipper as he will have to follow in the footsteps of Prithvi Shaw, Virat Kohli and several others who have had the privilege of leading the side.

Anuj’s father Virendra Pal Singh Rawat said, “I used to play cricket in my young days and it was my dream that my son should play cricket. When Anuj was small, he used to hold the cricket bat straight. His coach Satish Pokhriyal advised that if I want my son to play professional cricket I should train him in New Delhi.”

Tight finances but even higher dreams

Virendra Pal Singh added that they belong to a middle-class family wherein the finances were quite tight for an offspring to pursue sports. “We belong to a middle-class family and our financial condition makes it difficult to afford our kids to pursue a career in sports. It is because of blessing from family members and friends; my son was able to make it to the Indian team.”

Local resident Ganesh Rawat says, “Anuj was able to make it big due to his talent and support of family. We are proud of his success.”

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