Winning the 2012 U-19 World Cup was supposed to be the pinnacle of his career: Passi, Kamal
The phone of a former India junior cricketer began ringing the day after India defeated Ireland; in the Under-19 World Cup on January 19. Kamal Passi, a member of the 2012 champion cricket team, was the cricketer in question. When Kamal Passi arrived home from his morning practice session at Mumbai’s Goregaon Sports Club; he received at least 50 missed calls and over 100 WhatsApp messages from unknown numbers inquiring about his location. Winning the 2012 U-19 World Cup was supposed to be the pinnacle of his career: Passi, Kamal.
When he returned to his club for training later that evening, his fellow cricketers began applauding him; many of them were surprised to learn that Kamal Passi had won the U-19 World Cup. Passi was perplexed by the unexpected adoration and inquired of one of his teammates.
“He informed me that during the Ireland match, they had shown highlights of my 6/23 against Zimbabwe; and commentator Alan Wilkins had inquired about my whereabouts; what I was doing, and why I hadn’t played enough first-class cricket,” Passi told The Indian Express.
“The majority of the texts I received that night were from journalists seeking interviews. My former Punjab and Services teammates made just a small percentage of the group. Everyone had one question for me: ‘Why didn’t you play enough cricket?’ With a loud laugh, Passi shared, “Why did your career never take off?”
see also: Three Indians have been named to the ICC’s “Most Valuable Team” for the U19 World Cup.
It’s been about ten long years since we won the U-19 World Cup; and I’m still not beyond any question almost what went off-base. I chose not to reply to any of them since I didn’t have the reply. ” Passi took 10 wickets within the World Glass, a paramount minute for India; but he has as it were played four first-class recreations and one List A coordinate since at that point; which he faults on the Punjab Cricket Affiliation.
“After winning the title, I informed my roommate Harmeet (Singh); that I had a dreadful feeling that winning the U-19 World Cup would be the pinnacle of my career. Regrettably, what I told Harmeet that night turned out to be true.”
Passi claims that he was constantly overlooked for the Punjab U-23 team; prompting him to join Services, where he made his first-class debut in November 2015.
I am still an active cricketer, Mr Alan Wilkins, sir. I’m still hoping to earn a spot in the senior Punjab team. I’m 29, I still have a few years left in cricket, and I’m a positive person.”
Passi, who works for the Mumbai-based GST department, had no reservations about the game. “I have my share of grudges towards the administrators, but not against the sport. I obtained my position in the GST department because of cricket. I’m not sure what I would have done with my life if it hadn’t been for this profession.”
read more: With its sights set on the ODI World Cup, India kicks off the NZ series with a one-off T20 match.
He isn’t watching the current U-19 World Cup, but he does have one piece of advice for the players. “Cricket isn’t the end of the world. The post-U-19 era will be depressing to watch. Even if you win the U-19 World Cup, not all of you will play for India’s senior team. Some of your friends will land lucrative IPL contracts; while others will be working tirelessly to secure matches for your senior state team.
“Ask for help from your coaches, friends, and family; and never give up hope. If any of you want to communicate to me, send me a text on social media; I’d be happy to assist.”
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