Daijiworld Media Network—Mangalore (RS/CN)
Mangalore, Dec 17: Several cricketers of team India were discovered through the under-19 cricket tournaments. Now, a Mangalorean is on his way to being a part of team India.
K L Rahul, second year PU student of St Aloysius College in the city, has been selected for the junior world cup to be held in New Zealand.
He will be playing in the under-19 junior world cup scheduled to be held in New Zealand from January 16 to 22.
Rahul began playing cricket at the age of 11 under the directions of Karnataka State Cricket Academy (KSCA) coaches Samuel Jayaraj Muttu and Devdas Nayak P.
He was recognized for scoring a double century in a below-13 tourney. It is one of the memorable innings of his career.
Rahul also displayed his ability by captaining his team in tourneys in the age groups of 13, 15, 17, 19, and 22.
Recently, he played in the Kooch Behar Trophy in the below-19 group and C K Naidu Tournament in the below-22 group.
“My efforts are aiming for success”, said Rahul speaking to daijiworld.com , adding that he would be always grateful to his coaches and parents, who are his gods.
“KSCA, National Cricket Academy, (NCA) and Zonal Cricket Academy (ZCA) coaches are encouraging me by recognizing my efforts and abilities and their support is the motivation for me to better my performance”, said the 17-year-old who stands six feet tall.
Coach Muttu who recognized Rahul’s ability at the start of his cricket classes at Nehru Maidan in the city said, “He is a cricketer with commitment and discipline. His hard work and efforts will lead him to the goal he wants to reach”.
Recalling his time as Rahul’s coach, he said, “He was at the ground at 3.30 pm which shows his commitment to play even at the age of 11”.
Rahul’s father Dr K N Lokesh is dean in NITK Engineering College and mother C Rajeswari works as a lecturer in Mangalore University. With his parents’ support he is balancing studies and cricket.
His father said that they were happy about his performance and also about his selection to the world cup.
“The opportunity to play in the under-19 world cup has impressed me a lot and I will use this opportunity to get good experience”, said Rahul, a right-handed batsman, who aims to be a top order batsman.
He said that his favorite cricketer is Rahul Dravid and he respects cricket legend Sachin Tendulkar.
It can be recalled that players like Mohd Kaif, Virat Kohli and others made an entry to national team through the success of U-19 world cup !