Miss-Delectable
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You bowl well, Tendulkar told jopdi no 47’s deaf and dumb boy
Bandra’s up-market MIG cricket club is a stone’s throw away from the Shastrinagar society jopadpatti. The labyrinth of narrow lanes, dingy one-rooms and open drains on one the hand and the fully carpeted club house, swimming pool and a lush green cricket field at the stone’s landing make this a typical Mumbai neighbourhood of stark disparities.
But lately the 21-year-old deaf and dumb resident of jopdi No.47 —Sumeet Sadphule —has been able to make that quantum leap from the slum to the club grounds where shooting is on for the reality show, “Cricket Star” —he is among the many who are dodging elimination to be the one player who will get a year’s contract with England’s county team Leicestershire.
Sumeet’s coach Naushad Khan, who also happens to be a participant, doubles up as interpreter as the real “Iqbal” tries to be the last boy standing. “I will try to give a tough fight but I know I can’t win,” says Sumeet as he wipes the sweat from his forehead.
As Sumeet’s twin brother Amit says, “A fight is something my brother always relishes.” While the MIG crowd is awestruck by the physically challenged boy’s dedication, those at Shashtrinagar aren’t surprised by the plumber’s son’s cricketing exploits.
A neighbour sums it up: “Main to bola tha, yeh ladka India khelega”. And as an afterthought adds: “I gave him his first cricket bat”.
There are many in Shashtrinagar who would love to talk about Sumeet since his television debut, but the boy in focus only talks about his father and the three brothers— two of them work as lifeguards and one is an electrician.
And since it’s MIG, there has to be a Sachin Tendulkar angle —after all it is the master blaster’s favourite practice ground. Sumeet has had the opportunity to bowl to him. So mention Sachin Tendulkar and Sumeet’s lips are able to read the name.
His face lights up and pointing to his heart, he is able to convey the excitement of that memorable net session. Then, he adopts a Tendulkar-like stance, shadows a lofted shot and draws a parabola with his hand. “Getting hit for a six by Tendulkar too is a big deal for him, “ explains Khan.
Sumeet has won over the hearts of many through this simplicity. Everyone’s impressed. Coach Pradeep Sundaram speaks about his brilliant grasping power and a clean bowling style. Former India player Robin Singh, a selector of the show, calls him “a good bowler who always wants to learn”.
Though Sumeet can’t hear the good things said about him, he is aware of the buzz around him. Sundaram coaxes him to utter those words Tendulkar told him. He tries hard. And in a muffled voice, says: “Changla taktohs”.
What Tendulkar meant was: You bowl well.
Bandra’s up-market MIG cricket club is a stone’s throw away from the Shastrinagar society jopadpatti. The labyrinth of narrow lanes, dingy one-rooms and open drains on one the hand and the fully carpeted club house, swimming pool and a lush green cricket field at the stone’s landing make this a typical Mumbai neighbourhood of stark disparities.
But lately the 21-year-old deaf and dumb resident of jopdi No.47 —Sumeet Sadphule —has been able to make that quantum leap from the slum to the club grounds where shooting is on for the reality show, “Cricket Star” —he is among the many who are dodging elimination to be the one player who will get a year’s contract with England’s county team Leicestershire.
Sumeet’s coach Naushad Khan, who also happens to be a participant, doubles up as interpreter as the real “Iqbal” tries to be the last boy standing. “I will try to give a tough fight but I know I can’t win,” says Sumeet as he wipes the sweat from his forehead.
As Sumeet’s twin brother Amit says, “A fight is something my brother always relishes.” While the MIG crowd is awestruck by the physically challenged boy’s dedication, those at Shashtrinagar aren’t surprised by the plumber’s son’s cricketing exploits.
A neighbour sums it up: “Main to bola tha, yeh ladka India khelega”. And as an afterthought adds: “I gave him his first cricket bat”.
There are many in Shashtrinagar who would love to talk about Sumeet since his television debut, but the boy in focus only talks about his father and the three brothers— two of them work as lifeguards and one is an electrician.
And since it’s MIG, there has to be a Sachin Tendulkar angle —after all it is the master blaster’s favourite practice ground. Sumeet has had the opportunity to bowl to him. So mention Sachin Tendulkar and Sumeet’s lips are able to read the name.
His face lights up and pointing to his heart, he is able to convey the excitement of that memorable net session. Then, he adopts a Tendulkar-like stance, shadows a lofted shot and draws a parabola with his hand. “Getting hit for a six by Tendulkar too is a big deal for him, “ explains Khan.
Sumeet has won over the hearts of many through this simplicity. Everyone’s impressed. Coach Pradeep Sundaram speaks about his brilliant grasping power and a clean bowling style. Former India player Robin Singh, a selector of the show, calls him “a good bowler who always wants to learn”.
Though Sumeet can’t hear the good things said about him, he is aware of the buzz around him. Sundaram coaxes him to utter those words Tendulkar told him. He tries hard. And in a muffled voice, says: “Changla taktohs”.
What Tendulkar meant was: You bowl well.