Power of one hand has batsmen ducking for safety

He is like any another teenage pacer, running in fast, single-minded in his determination to send the batsman back to the pavilion. The only difference is that Neeraj Kumar can’t bowl with a high arm action. The 19-year-old lost his left hand in an accident some years back.

That, however, hasn’t prevented the Punjab lad from uprooting stumps. On Tuesday, while playing for the Indian Blues in the ongoing IPCL match at Navrangpura stadium, he removed two batsmen of the opposition South Eagles. (IPCL is a competition organized by Indian Twenty20 Cricket Federation.)
Neeraj had met with an accident six years back. His left arm was so severely injured that doctors had no option but to amputate it.

“Initially I faced much difficulty and was apprehensive about my future in cricket. But thanks to the unflinching support of my family, I was back on the field. I have worked hard for this day. I don’t feel like an amputee anymore. In fact I consider myself a complete bowler,” said Neeraj while talking to DNA.

Neeraj, who doesn’t come from a rich family, studies in a government school. During an inter-school cricket match in Punjab’s Fazilka district which is close to the Indo-Pak border, the youngster showed remarkable grit and courage as he spearheaded the school’s bowling attack. His performance had a lasting effect on IPCL commissioner Pankaj Dhamija who was present at the venue.

“The IPCL Commissioner was present during the match in which I was playing for my government school. He approached me later with the offer of a place in the Indian Blues and a ticket. The rest is history,” said Neeraj.
Besides the wickets that he picked up during the match in Navrangpura on Tuesday, there was one more reason why Neeraj was on cloud nine. The entire match was shown live on the national channel and his family was able to watch him play in it.

“It was a dream come true. I just had a dream. But today I feel proud of myself. I can’t describe the feeling in words,” said Neeraj, unable to hide his emotions.

When asked about his future plans, the youngster was very clear. “I want to become a software engineer. If I get a helping hand from the state, I would also like to become a fast bowler. I like the T20 format and want to continue with it,” said Neeraj, who idolises Anil Kumble.

According to the IPCL, Neeraj brings energy to the game. “He is an inspiration for many. We need such people in the gentlemen’s game,” said Sandeep Abrol, an IPCL official.