Bowled, but not beaten

MUMBAI, MAY 28: The round of applause was modest, but then Pravin didn't exactly expect an encore. Cheered by the spectators, who broke i...

MUMBAI, MAY 28: The round of applause was modest, but then Pravin didn8217;t exactly expect an encore. Cheered by the spectators, who broke into applause even before the commentator could urge them on, Pravin Janak hopped up to the crease and took guard. So what if he was out for a duck today. It was not his performance that they were performing.

Pravin was just 10 when the rusty number-plate of a truck in reverse bruised his left thigh. The doctor had told his parents the lad would recover in a jiffy. Three days later, he said it was a question of life or limb. The choice was obvious and soon the 10-year-old was minus his left leg. But, he had figured, that8217;s only cricket.

Fifteen years down the line, Pravin showed his resolve had not hinged on a mere whim. Today, he was applauded for scoring six runs off 11 deliveries for the Ujwalla Apang Sevak Cricket Club at a tournament organised for the disabled by the Ganesh Gully Mitra Mandal at Lalbaug. What8217;s more, Pravin is playing the game after a eight-yearhiatus. His love, in the meantime, was carrom, a sport which has won him a clutch of laurels.

Out on the first ball today, Pravin is nevertheless still stiff after Thursday8217;s stint at the crease. 8220;I am playing after so many years and since I was stiff, I practiced throughout the afternoon today,8221; he says before the commencement of the day8217;s innings. 8220;I used to play regularly when I was young. Just like any other kid in the neighbourhood, I used to play cricket throughout the day. Yesterday, I did not have the match-fitness to stand on my right leg for a long time and of course I am disappointed.8221;

Though his sturdy body and stoic features say little, his moist eyes are a dead giveaway. 8220;I am now 25 and my father is still working8230; My mother earns up to Rs 700 per month. I do not have a job. What is the point being so good at carrom,8221; Pravin wonders, cringing as the road ahead stretches endlessly in front of him. 8220;I am dependent on my aged father,8221; he adds, by now overcome with emotion.

But todayis another day and Pravin looks forward to the semi-final clash against the All India Institute. His captain promises him the No 3 spot in the batting line-up but Pravin wants to open. 8220;The long practice in the afternoon yesterday has given me the confidence I had eight years ago,8221; he beams, not knowing that he will finally be sent in at No 5.

His team has lost four wickets with a little over 20 on the board when Pravin trots in to a generous welcome. He has a runner. The first ball is a yorker. Pravin makes contact but only just. The ball trickles from underneath the bat and catches the base of the stumps. Pravin is beaten. But off the field, he knows, he has to play quite a different innings.