Zaheer Khan recalls talk that made cricketer.
Zaheer Khan recalls his conversation with coach Sudhir Naik. I would not be where I am today if he had not shown faith in me on the first day of the nets. I’d always wanted to ask him what he saw in me in just one net practice that made him think I had it in me. I couldn’t, and it’ll always be a riddle to me. He’d sit at the Cross Maidan tent, sip chai, and depart when the game ended.
I was a raw, young kid who wished to study engineering but also enjoyed cricket. And, like many other aspiring cricketers, I had gone to Mumbai with the goal of one day playing for India.
He added, Sir approached me and simply stated, “I am adding your name to my team, and you will play all ‘A’ Division games.” I had no idea what ‘A’ Division sports meant, but I was astounded and didn’t know what to do. ‘What is your plan?’ he inquired. I’ve heard you want to study engineering. I don’t want all of my hard work (grooming) you to go to naught. I will be committed to you and trust you will not leave. ‘Ghar toh jayega na?’
Zaheer Khan was from the small village of Sreerampore and aspired to be an engineer. Zaheer khan stayed in Mumbai to hone his abilities at the iconic Cross Maidan due to Naik’s confidence in his talent and persistence.
