Vision of a Champion: My Story in Blind Cricket

Out of four siblings, I’m the only one blind by birth. My father drove the tractor to earn a living. We weren’t from a financially strong background. So, the struggle to make ends meet was always there. 

My story with cricket started during my school days in my hometown, Bargarh, Odisha. I loved sports. But blind cricket wasn’t popular these days. Luckily, my PT teacher took me to a state-level match, noticing my enthusiasm for cricket, and I got a chance to play as a wicketkeeper. My outstanding performance earned me an award as well. At that time, I was only in the fourth class. So the award meant a lot. Since then, I have never looked back.

I played for Odisha the following year and again won an award at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. I started my career as a professional blind cricketer in 2006 and represented India for the first time in 2011. Next year, the T20 World Cup happened in India. And one of my memorable performances came against Pakistan in the finals. Pakistan were in a perfect position. We were struggling to get wickets. And I got three breakthroughs within three overs, and we lifted the cup. But I got injured in the finals. 

Managing injury was a big challenge then, as we didn’t have much support. Without financial aid, I depended upon home remedies to heal my knee injury and made my comeback to cricket after four years. The story has been similar for most of my cricketing career. 

And now I’m glad to look at the development of the various facilities for blind cricketers. CABI is doing an outstanding job in making the lives of blind cricketers convenient. I also have a job at Odisha Mining Corporation Limited. After years of struggle, I finally got my due as a sportsperson. It feels great that people have known my family through my sports career. Soon, we will visit the US to promote cricket for the blinds.

We’re glad to partner with Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI) and share stories "From Darkness to Glory"

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