Atharva chose cricket bat over all other toys, recalls father
| Date :17-Apr-2020 |
Atharva Taide with family members during his felicitation after being selected in Under-19 India cricket team for Sri Lanka.
By Mahesh S Kale :
IN A country where cricket is a religion, crores of budding enthusiasts aspire to don that Indian Blue. As a kid, same was the case with Vidarbha cricketer Atharva Taide who despite of having best of toys including the Hot Wheels, preferred to pick up the bat. His love for the game, which dates back when he was just three years old, grew as the days passed. A lot of water has passed under the bridge since then and Atharva has, to some extent achieved his long cherished dream. From leading the Vidarbha Under-23 team to almost knocking off Yuvraj Singh’s highest total in U-19 domestic cricket, Taide has fully dedicated himself to the game which his father Dr Yayati himself had tried his hand at.
Dr Yayati said, “I remember we used to get many toys for him like small tricycle, dolls, action figures, Hot Wheels cars but he was always fascinated with the cricket bat. He even used to carry his bat everywhere. I still remember him holding his plastic bat with both hands and trying to hit an imaginary ball from all angles just like they do in shadow practice.” Dr Yayati, who has played a lot of cricket during his university days said, “Seeing Atharva’s dedication for the game I built a box net at our plot. I also got the bowling machine and also set up flood lights so that he could practice even when the day was not so bright. Although I used to play for love of the game, Atharva used to practice very hard.
“In the morning he used to practice at the Akola Cricket Club Ground (ACC). He used to change in washroom and get ready for his school. He used to keep his uniform and school shoes in his kit bag. After returning from school at around 1 pm he used to again leave for the evening practice at three. If that was not enough Atharva and I used to practice in nets till 1 in the morning,” Yayati recalled. “Initially I never thought he would make this far. But after his selection in the VCA Academy, my perception changed. Seeing Atharva’s growth not only as a cricketer but also a human being I realised he would definitely climb the ladder very high,” said the proud father.
During the conversation, Yayati also mentioned about the small changes and adjustment he had to bring in his life to make sure Atharva’s practice was not hampered. “I don’t remember Devyani (Atharva’s mother) and I ever travelling to relatives’ place for a function or get-together. Even during Diwali, it becomes a bit difficult for us as we are unable to go anywhere nor we are able to attend our guests properly. As a part of mental support I ensure that someone travels with Atharva during his tours and matches.” On being asked about the proudest moment Yayati said, “Atharva scoring his triple century against Madhya Pradesh in the Under-19 Cooch Behar Trophy is my favourite moment.”