Juned Khan, a pacer from Mumbai, recently caught attention during his debut in the Irani Trophy against the Rest of India. Hailing from Kannauj, a city famous for perfumes, Juned had several family members and friends cheering for him at the match in Lucknow.
In his first spell of First-Class cricket, Juned dismissed Rest of India captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, marking a fairytale start to his journey. Reflecting on the experience, Juned expressed his excitement, saying, “Just being part of this match is a dream come true.”
Overcoming Struggles to Pursue Cricket
Juned’s journey to cricket was not a conventional one. A decade ago, he moved to Mumbai not to chase a cricketing dream but to support his family financially. He initially worked in a garment factory and later became an autorickshaw driver to make ends meet.
It was by chance that he came across the Sanjeevani Cricket Academy, where former Mumbai wicketkeeper Manish Bangera recognized his potential. Despite financial challenges, Juned persisted, thanks to support from people around him who helped him afford cricket gear.
The Turning Point: Support from Abhishek Nayar
During the pandemic, Juned’s talent was spotted by Abhishek Nayar, a former India cricketer and Kolkata Knight Riders’ assistant coach. Nayar became a mentor for Juned, urging him to quit driving an autorickshaw and focus entirely on cricket.
Under Nayar’s guidance, Juned trained extensively and even served as a net bowler for KKR during the last IPL season. His performances for PJ Hindu Gymkhana in local tournaments led to his selection for prestigious events like the Buchi Babu and KSCA tournaments.
Despite his humble beginnings, Juned’s dedication and hard work have set him on a promising path in cricket.
Although he still shares a room with five friends who work odd jobs, his recent success suggests a bright future ahead. Juned remains committed to Mumbai, the city that gave him his break, and as his career progresses, he is determined to leave his autorickshaw days behind. Fans, not just in Uttar Pradesh but across India, are sure to continue cheering for this rising star.
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