When I bowled in the international nets the first time, I was heartbroken

In a world where dreams of playing alongside cricketing legends often come true in fairy tales, reality can sometimes offer a different, more sobering perspective. For a young spinner from India, an invitation to bowl at the nets for international teams was a chance to showcase his talent and perhaps even get noticed by the selectors. This opportunity came during an ODI match preparation between India and the West Indies at Chepauk, Chennai, in 2007. However, the experience turned out to be a stark lesson in the professional world of international cricket.

A Dream Opportunity

Excitement and Anticipation

The invitation to bowl in the nets for both India and the West Indies was a momentous occasion for the young bowler. The prospect of bowling to cricketing giants like Chris Gayle, Brian Lara, Sachin Tendulkar, and MS Dhoni was exhilarating. It brought to mind stories of how legends like Waqar Younis were discovered in similar settings. The young bowler’s imagination ran wild with thoughts of impressing these icons and potentially getting a break in his cricketing career.

First Encounters

As the West Indies team arrived for their practice session, the excitement reached its peak. Bowling to Chris Gayle first, the spinner managed to get him out caught and bowled, and later had him edging the ball. Expecting some form of acknowledgment or appreciation, the young bowler was surprised by Gayle’s complete lack of reaction. Whether he got Gayle out or was hit for boundaries, there was no acknowledgment—no nod, no “well bowled,” just a silent pick-up of the ball and continuation.

A Cold Reception

The Professional Bubble

The young bowler initially thought Gayle’s behavior was peculiar. However, as he bowled to other West Indies and Indian players, he noticed the same pattern. The lack of acknowledgment was not limited to one player or team; it was a consistent behavior across all players. This lack of interaction felt alien and cold, especially coming from a background where acknowledgment, even a simple nod, was the norm in cricketing culture.

Disappointment and Reflection

After the nets session, the bowler’s friend, who had come to watch and hoped to take photos with the players, was ecstatic about the opportunity to meet Dhoni. The young bowler, however, felt a deep sense of disappointment. He had hoped for some form of recognition, perhaps even a connection that could lead to further opportunities. Instead, he felt invisible and unacknowledged, leading to a decision to not return as a nets bowler the following day.

Learning the Hard Way

A Sobering Realization

Deciding to skip the nets session the next day, the young bowler chose to train on his own at Chemplast. The experience left him disheartened, but it also led to a crucial realization about the nature of professional sports. He understood that international players are often in a bubble of intense focus and pressure, facing numerous bowlers daily, making it impractical for them to acknowledge each one individually.

Beyond Hero Worship

The young bowler learned a vital lesson: worship your heroes from a distance. When up close, strive to be good enough to be one of them. This experience taught him that while admiration for cricketing legends is natural, one must also recognize the professional environment they operate in. It reinforced the notion that to earn their respect, one must not just be present but excel to a level that commands acknowledgment.

Moving Forward

Embracing the Journey

Despite the disheartening experience, the young bowler did not let it diminish his passion for cricket. He chose not to be a nets bowler again, feeling that such a role without acknowledgment did not align with his aspirations. Instead, he continued to train and improve, embracing the journey of personal and professional growth in cricket.

A Broader Perspective

This episode provided the young bowler with a broader perspective on the life of professional athletes. It highlighted the intense environment they operate in and the necessity for relentless focus. This understanding helped him set more realistic expectations and fortified his resolve to achieve excellence through his own merits.

 Lessons from the Nets

The young spinner’s experience of bowling to international cricket legends at the nets was far from the fairy tale he imagined. Instead, it was a stark reminder of the professional world’s realities, where acknowledgment is hard-earned and not freely given. This experience taught him valuable lessons about resilience, the importance of personal excellence, and the need to view his heroes from a realistic perspective. As he moved forward in his cricketing journey, these lessons would serve as a foundation for his growth and determination to succeed on his own terms.

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