Bengaluru: Octogenarians Laxmikant Pandey and Belkali Pandey have become avid cricket fans following their grandson Saumy Kumar Pandey’s stellar performance in the U-19 World Cup in South Africa. Saumy, a left-arm spinner, has emerged as India’s best bowler in the competition, scalping 16 wickets in five matches. His outstanding performance has garnered praise from friends, relatives, and fans across the country. However, Saumy’s journey to success was not without challenges. As a child, he struggled with health issues and was advised to engage in physical activities. Recognizing his interest in cricket, his father enrolled him in a cricket academy, where he honed his skills under the guidance of coach Aril Anthony. Today, Saumy’s family and community in Bharatpur, Madhya Pradesh, are eagerly anticipating India’s upcoming semifinal match against South Africa, hoping for a victory that will take them to the finals. With his consistent performances, Saumy aims to make a mark in the domestic circuit and continue his impressive cricket career.
Saumy’s father, Krishna Kumar Pandey, reminisces about the challenges they faced when Saumy was young. As a kid, Saumy used to frequently fall sick due to weather changes. The doctor suggested that we introduce him to physical activities like cycling. The timings of our work meant that cricket would be a suitable option, considering his inclination towards the sport, said Krishna, who is a government school teacher. Recognizing his talent, Krishna enrolled Saumy in the Vindh Cricket Academy, where coach Aril Anthony played a crucial role in shaping Saumy’s abilities as a spinner.
Aril Anthony, pleased with Saumy’s progress, believes that consistency is the key to his continued success. While some have compared Saumy’s bowling style to Ravindra Jadeja, Anthony emphasizes that Saumy should focus on his own journey and not be distracted by such comparisons. He advises Saumy to concentrate on performing consistently and proving himself on the domestic circuit. Anthony also emphasizes the need for Saumy to stay focused on the upcoming challenges, especially the semifinals of the ongoing World Cup.
Apart from his family and coach, the entire community of Bharatpur is ecstatic about Saumy’s achievements. They are planning to set up a big screen to watch the finals of the World Cup if India advances. The support and encouragement from his family, community, and the nation are driving Saumy to aim higher and make a name for himself on the international stage.
As India prepares to face South Africa in the semifinals on Tuesday, the excitement continues to build. The Pandey family, along with their friends and neighbors, eagerly await the outcome of the match, hoping that Saumy’s excellent performance will lead India to victory. It is a testament to Saumy’s hard work, determination, and sheer passion for the game that he has come this far and captured the hearts of cricket enthusiasts across the country.
Saumy’s journey serves as an inspiration to young aspiring cricketers who face their own challenges along the way. His dedication, coupled with the support of his family and community, showcases the power of dreams and the importance of grit in achieving success. As Saumy’s remarkable journey in the U-19 World Cup continues, fans and well-wishers eagerly anticipate his future exploits in the world of cricket.
