Milkman's son scaling new heights: The inspiring story of Ranchi's Pankaj Yadav

[Mosher]

https://cricket.yahoo.com/news/milkman-apos-son-scaling-heights-182110890.html

 

 

Pankaj Yadav is a 15-year-old leg-spinner from Jharkhand who made the headlines in the 2016-17 Vijay Merchant Trophy for the under-16 players.

Earlier this year, in a Vijay Merchant Trophy tie against Bengal in Bokaro, Pankaj picked up 4/62 in the first innings and in the second innings, he ran through the Bengal batting line-up and ended up with figures of 7/40, bundling up the opposition for just 100. Unfortunately, his side lost the match by 50 runs but his performances were noted by the Indian junior selectors.

In the tournament, he was the lone shining star for Jharkhand as he picked 45 wickets in six matches at an average of 15. He was just 14 back then and even he wouldn't have expected that his life would change in less than 12 months.

Subsequently, he was drafted into the India Green side for the under-19 Challenger Trophy, a tournament that was like a selection trial ahead of the extravaganza. Though Pankaj didn't get to play in the first two matches, he got the nod in the third game and returned with figures of 1/30 in eight overs and in the next match, he finished his quota of overs and registered figures of 5/57. He ended the tournament with six wickets in two matches at an average of 15 and an economy of less than five.

 

A few days later, he was named in the Indian team for the World Cup ahead of Rahul Chahar and the teenager couldn't hide his emotions.

 

Anybody has seen this kid bowl? Is he better than Rahul Chahar? 

Edited December 9, 2017 by Mosher

[sandeep]

So that's why Chahar is not in the u19 team.  

 

Not the worst thing to give a different kid an opportunity.  IIRC Chahar is already getting picked by Ranji and IPL teams.

[jf1gp_1]

Isnt it sad to bring up ones background instead of focus being on hard work and talent ?

[sandeep]

20 minutes ago, jf1gp_1 said:

Isnt it sad to bring up ones background instead of focus being on hard work and talent ?

"Rags to riches" narratives are always easy to sell.   

[Gollum]

We are barely skimming the surface as far as talent goes. Mountain of talent still lying in small towns and villages waiting to be discovered, selection still too biased in favour of big city/metro boys. 

[Vijy]

On 12/9/2017 at 2:17 PM, Gollum said:

We are barely skimming the surface as far as talent goes. Mountain of talent still lying in small towns and villages waiting to be discovered, selection still too biased in favour of big city/metro boys. 

it's improving a bit in recent times.