Junaid’s story of becoming a cricketer after driving an auto for 5 years: Shami idol, wears his number 11 jersey, dream fulfilled in Lucknow – Lucknow News

This picture of Mohammad Junaid was taken while playing Ranji match at Ekana Stadium.

Question: How was the journey till Irani Trophy, how did you become a part of Mumbai team? answer: I am a resident of Kannauj, UP. I am fond of cricket since childhood. Couldn’t play due to problem at home. Had gone to Mumbai from home due to financial constraints. Drove an auto rickshaw here for four-five years. Then worked as a helper in a company and supervisor in event management. Did many different types of work to meet household expenses.

Went to Sanjeevani Cricket Academy in 2019. Talked to coaches Satish Sawant and Manish Waghera there. Asked if I can come here and play. When asked the fee he said there is nothing, you can come and play. After this I used to work at night. Used to play cricket during the day. Due to work, many times he was not able to go to practice.

Coach Satish Sawant said whether to play or work. Only one of the two tasks will have to be done. Sometimes I would tell them that I would come and sometimes I would not be able to reach them. During this, he told them about his problem that there was problem of food and water. Then started playing from there. After this the lockdown was imposed. Due to this I had to return home.

This picture is of Junaid after taking a wicket in the Irani Trophy.

Question: How did you meet Abhishek Nair, what did he teach you? answer: Went to Mumbai again after lockdown. Joined PGI Hindu Gym Khana there and performed well. It was there that I met Abhishek Nair. I respect them the most after my parents. He is a person like no one else in India. He has helped me like no one else.

Once I was playing, he called me and asked what I do. I told about myself. He listened to my problem. Said- Just play, work hard, I will solve all your problems. Then started going to his academy. He started helping from sports to money.

After this, KKR’s net bowler was selected last year. It was good there. Performed well in the club. After joining the team, he performed well in Karnataka and Chennai. My dream came true in Lucknow. I can’t even imagine, playing the Irani Trophy match in Lucknow is the biggest match of my life.

Question, How did you develop interest in cricket? answer: There are many senior cricketers in my locality, who play leather ball cricket along with tennis. Along with Ishrar, Naushad, Saenu, Danish, my brothers also played tennis very well. I also started playing cricket with the same people in my childhood. In 2014, I went to Mumbai due to poor financial condition at home. Stayed away from cricket for five years. Then he returned to the field. So I am continuously working hard.

This picture is of Mumbai after winning the Irani Trophy cup.

Question: Whom do you consider as an idol? answer: Indian team’s fast bowler Mohammed Shami is my idol. He likes the entire bowling including action, rhythm, swing, seam. That’s why I follow him. That’s why I wear his jersey number 11. Junaid told this while pointing and showing his jersey number.

Question: Who is there in the family, what are the preparations for India? answer: Mom is there, dad is not there. There are 7 brothers and three sisters in the house. Everyone is married. One or two brothers work in furniture. The condition of the family is still not good, it is a situation of earn daily and eat daily. Right now the focus is on performing well on the given opportunity in the Mumbai team. I am working hard continuously. The aim is to play good cricket for the country.