(Cricket News) Uday Saharan grew up in Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan, where his father, Sanjeev, an ayurvedic doctor, ran his own cricket academy. Introduced to the game from infancy, Uday’s father, despite having unfulfilled cricketing dreams, ensured his son’s ascent to the top.
Sanjeev Saharan, who himself was a skilled cricketer, believes that had he chosen Jaipur instead of Udaipur in the 80s, he might have played first-class cricket for Rajasthan. Uday, at the age of 11, shifted to Fazilka, Punjab, 80 km away from his village, under the guidance of his father’s friend, the district association’s president.
Initially commuting daily to Fazilka, his cricket journey progressed rapidly, and within a year, he earned a spot in the Punjab U14 camp. Despite his initial hesitations and calls to return, Uday eventually embraced the training routine. Uday’s father, similar to Shubman Gill’s father, Lakhwinder Gill, prepared a net in their backyard for initial training.
In Sri Ganganagar’s extreme winter conditions, Uday’s dedication to training never wavered. Sanjeev, nursing his own cricketing dreams, poured his passion for the game. Despite Uday’s success, his father often teased him, saying, “You are never satisfied with my performances, whether I score 100 or 200; you want me to remain not out.”
Shaharan was a reserve in the 2022 U-19 World Cup-winning team but did not get a chance to play. However, upon his return, a noticeable change occurred, as he displayed increased commitment to training. Sanjeev attributed this transformation to Uday realizing the need for continuous improvement in his game.
Under the guidance of former cricketer VVS Laxman, he gained confidence and stature. His father noted the change, stating, “There is a different confidence in him now. He has grown in stature after working with Laxman sir. The way he motivates him has made him believe that he can achieve anything in cricket.”
Shaharan played U-14 and U-16 cricket in Fazilka before moving to Bathinda for U-19 cricket. Despite representing a different state, Uday faced no difficulties in his cricketing journey. His father shared the wisdom of Yuvraj Singh, emphasizing the importance of consistent performance.
Batting in the middle order like his idol Virat Kohli, he is an ambidextrous bowler who despises losing, much like Kohli. Punjab captain Mandeep Singh, impressed by Uday’s hunger for success, compared him to a young Shubman Gill. Mandeep gifted him a bat after he excelled in the fitness test and scored a century against South Africa U-19.
Sanjeev believes in Uday’s exceptional talent and determination, predicting a bright future for his son in the world of cricket.
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