Bengaluru, February 3: Surendra Rathod's jaunts through the cantonment area in Jaipur often end uneventful. But some 11 years ago, Rathore, who runs a cricket academy, saw an 8-year-old bowling faster than boys much elder to him.
Rathod enrolled that kid into his academy and imparted the nuances of pace bowling. On February 3, 2018, that kid has become a part of India's ICC Under-19 World Cup winning squad.
Kamlesh Nagarkoti. It's about him we are talking about here. Nagarkoti attracted spotlight when the news of him bowling at speeds over 140 kmph in the U19 World Cup. In fact, in the opening game against Australia, one of Nagarkoti's deliveries stopped the speed gun at 149 kmph.
Rathod is not quite surprised. "He has the ability to bowl fast even as a kid. If someone bowls inswingers at his pace then batsmen will have a tough time to negotiate them. He is a quick learner. It's good to see him getting some success at a higher level now. He is naturally athletic and confident. He has the ability to serve Indian cricket for longer. Hopefully, he will travel the distance," he said.
As a boy interested in cricket, Nagarkoti has been fortunate to have grown up in the army area. His father Lachham Singh Nagarkoti retired from Indian Army over a decade ago and his focus has been on the development of his son as a cricketer.
"A World Cup victory does not come often and we are happy to see him being a part of the triumphant India side and playing an important role too. Hopefully, he will go on to play for India some day," said Nagarkoti Sr.
Every time this man takes charge of something, the job done is a class apart! Thank You, Rahul Dravid! 🦁😍💛🐾 #WhistlePodu pic.twitter.com/JHIHwUgPw5
— Chennai Super Kings (@ChennaiIPL) February 3, 2018
Both his coach and father said being under the tutelage of Rahul Dravid at this stage of his career has been a blessing for Nagarkoti. "There was a time when he had sit out of the team (after U19 tour to England where he was the highest wicket taker) due to a shoulder injury. He was worried that his career will be affected badly.
"But Dravid ji comforted him during his rehabilitation at the NCA and told him to recuperate gradually so that he's fully fit for bigger assignments. He followed Dravid ji's words, and look where is he now!," he said.
"The IPL contract (Rs 3.2 crore worth deal from Kolkata Knight Riders) too has made him happy and confident. He said it's a great opportunity for him to play along with some of the finest cricket players from around the world during the tournament," he said.
As per a BCCI mail on Saturday (February 3), Nagarkoti has been richer by Rs 30 lakh.
Now, Nagarkoti, a Cristiano Ronaldo fan, can easily fulfil one of his boyish dreams - buy a latest iPhone 10, cost well over a lakh.
But Nagarkoti household emphasis that they will be happier to see a swelling trophy cabinet.