Son of a fish seller,Patiala lad is now a Rajasthan Royal

The contract would mean a financial bonanza for the 22-year-old Ravi. But more importantly,he says,it will give him the right platform to play and learn from world-class cricketers.

“I am elated. I tried hard last year,but couldn’t get a contract. This IPL season will be my chance,” said a beaming Ravi. “Life has not been easy for me but after I made my debut for Punjab in Ranji Trophy,things started falling into place. With backing of the Punjab Cricket Association (PCA),I was able to carry forward my style of play.”

Ravi has appeared in 15 Ranji games and scored 1,042 runs with four hundreds.

He has an average of over 40 in all forms of the game and played in the Challengers Trophy and the Deodhar Trophy as well.

But despite having played for Punjab,he still lives in the same old two-room house in Patiala with a joint family of 10 people.

“My family has been my support through thick and thin. We have had adverse times but my father never let those things come in my way.”

His father Birender Kumar runs a small fish shop at Anardana Chowk in Patiala. “Ravi has struggled hard to cement his place in the Punjab team,” Kumar said. “I hope he gets to wear the Indian team jersey and makes us proud. Then,I can think of retirement.”

Ravi grew up playing at Maharani Club,now Dhruv Pandove Stadium,under coach Sunil Saggi. “I hope to score loads of runs in the IPL. And I’ll certainly pick useful tips from Shane Warne. It is my dream to play for India and provide a good life to my family.”