I had thought of quitting cricket at 16: Sanjay #pkyblog #pkyvlog

I had thought of quitting cricket at 16: Sanjay

By Pradeepkumar Yadav

HIS lean frame deceives many. For, they are not aware of the steely mind that resides in Sanjay Ramaswamy’s body. The 23-year-old has pursued his passion of playing cricket enduring tough times and even negative thoughts. Though the Vidarbha opener has just started his career in domestic cricket, the merit he has shown is the talking point this season. Come to think of it that the same boy had actually thought of quitting cricket altogether seven years ago.
“I was 16 years old then and was among the highest run-getters in Under-19 club level matches that year. Despite the runs I could not make it to the camp. It demoralised me so much that I was on the brink of quitting cricket altogether,” Sanjay told ‘The Hitavada’ as he geared up for the Ranji Trophy final against Delhi from December 29.

Sanjay was convinced to come back to the cricket field by his childhood coach Prashant Bambal who took up the case with Vidarbha Cricket Association officials. The officials were gracious enough to allow Sanjay to attend the camp.
In this dream season for Vidarbha, Sanjay has so far amassed 735 runs in eight matches at a healthy average of 68.82. The opener has already scored three centuries, including a brilliant 182 against Bengal.
Sanjay made his Ranji debut three years back but was able to cement his place in the playing XI only this season. It was the doggedness that kept him in good stead.
“I just decided to spend as much time as possible on pitch, whenever I get a chance to bat. That was the basic idea. Our chief coach Chandrakant Pandit sir told us before the start of the season that the most important thing for a batsman is to understand the value of his wicket. Sir told us not to gift wicket rather let the bowler earn it,” he revealed.

Pandit’s advice has worked wonders for Sanjay. At long last, the team found an able partner for captain Faiz Fazal and the duo has already registered new opening record for Vidarbha. It was a big transition for the boy who was once discarded by many senior cricketers as “powerless batsman”.
That observation had a bad impact on his psyche. Negative thoughts about his own ability started clouding his mind but yet again the passion for cricket helped him deal with the situation really well.
“I went back to my academy and started training under Bambal sir. His role was very crucial. I hit the gym and Bambal sir made a fitness chart for me. I used to train at the nets at DACSA and then hit the gym every day for 3 hours. In a short while, I felt that I had gained strength and power.
“The most important lesson that I learned in that phase is that never lose self-belief. I firmly believe that I am mentally stronger only because I had to come across such a phase at the very beginning of my career,” Sanjay stated.

The comeback lessons came very early during the U-19 Cooch Behar Trophy. The tournament’s last two matches changed his cricketing career.
“I was selected in the Under-19 team for the last two matches. In the second last match against Saurashtra I scored 84 runs in the first innings. In the next match I scored 18 runs in the first innings and 165 not out in the second innings against Karnataka. Though the match ended in a draw it gave my career a new start. The very next season, I made it to the Ranji probables,” said Sanjay, the fifth highest scorer in Ranji Trophy.
The Ranji journey though did not begin as he had wanted. He had an average first season and struggled on some lively wickets.
“I made my first class debut in 2014. I failed in first two matches and was dropped. Once again I practised hard in the nets and became the top scorer in the Guzder League.” Sanjay said and added, “My coach told me if you can make a comeback at Under-19 level why can’t you do the same here? Those words have stayed with me,” he said.
On the cusp of realising the dream of holding the Ranji Trophy, Sanjay knows the role he has to play in the final.

“I am quite sure that we will win the final. We are dreaming to lift the trophy. Our coaching team, Pandit sir and Subroto Banerjee sir are helping us a lot in our practice, planning and preparation. Winning the Ranji Trophy would be the best way to pay back to their contribution,” the opener said.
Like any other cricketer Sanjay also dreams of being in the Indian squad.
“My parents always taught me to dream big and set big targets. I am confident that I can do that. Let’s hope for the best,” Sanjay concluded.

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