Title: He Would Take ₹30 From Me for Auto Fare: Ashwani’s Father
The journey of a cricketer is not just about the game itself, but also about the struggles and sacrifices made along the way. For Ashwani Kumar, an Indian pacer who made his debut for Mumbai Indians (MI) in the Indian Premier League (IPL), it has been a long and arduous path to success. His father, Harkesh Kumar, recently shared an anecdote that highlights the humble beginnings of his talented son.
In an interview, Harkesh Kumar recalled how Ashwani used to take ₹30 from him every time he wanted to travel from home to the stadium where he trained. This was a small price for the father to pay to see his son pursue his passion, and he is proud to say that Ashwani was worth every penny.
“Ashwani was picked up for ₹30 lakh by MI in the IPL mega auction…I knew his worth was every penny,” Harkesh Kumar said.
Ashwani’s journey to the top began when he was just a young boy, playing cricket in the streets and local tournaments. His father, a farmer, encouraged him to pursue his dream, and Ashwani quickly made a name for himself in the local cricket circuit. He was soon spotted by coaches and scouts, who recognized his potential and helped him get selected for various youth teams.
Despite his talent, Ashwani faced many rejections and setbacks along the way. He was rejected by several teams, including Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), and Rajasthan Royals (RR), before MI finally took a chance on him.
But Ashwani did not let rejection get him down. He worked hard, honed his skills, and waited for his big break. And when it finally came, he did not disappoint. On his debut for MI, Ashwani took a four-wicket haul against KKR, leaving everyone in awe of his talent.
Ashwani’s story is a testament to the power of hard work, determination, and support from family and friends. His father, Harkesh Kumar, has been a constant source of encouragement and motivation for his son, and has played a significant role in shaping his cricketing journey.
In the interview, Harkesh Kumar also spoke about how Ashwani’s aim is to become like Jasprit Bumrah, the MI pacer known for his unique action and wicket-taking ability. Ashwani has been working hard to develop his own unique style, and his father is confident that he will achieve his goal.
The journey of Ashwani Kumar is a reminder that success is not overnight, but is the result of years of hard work and dedication. His story is an inspiration to young cricketers and aspiring athletes everywhere, and serves as a reminder that no matter how small the beginning may seem, it can lead to great heights.
As Ashwani’s father, Harkesh Kumar, so aptly put it, “Ashwani was picked up for ₹30 lakh by MI in the IPL mega auction…I knew his worth was every penny.”
