Sports
Cricket Star 'Man of the Series' Dinesh Salunkhe conquers his dreams
Mumbai | September 21, 2007 6:16:26 PM IST
Life for Dinesh Salunkhe took a very interesting turn in December 2006 when he got selected to be a part of the Cricket Star Academy. From then onwards he started living his dream of learning from and rubbing shoulders with some of the best in the Cricket fraternity - Kapil Dev, Sanjay Manjerakar, Geoffery Boycott, Monty Panesr, Waqar Younis and then being chosen the 'Man of Series' of first ever cricket talent hunt and reality show, Cricket Star. Salunkhe returned to Mumbai on Wednesday after spending the English summer training and coaching with Leicestershire County Cricket Club. The Chembur resident played for Little Thorpe and Narbourough club at Leicester. Salunkhe played eight matches in which he scored 287 runs and took 28 wickets. He got an opportunity to meet English pace man Sajid Mahmood. Robin Singh and Romesh Powar, who were a part of the Indian Team that was in England recently, met this Mumbai lad and appreciated his performance at Leicester. Salunkhe, the leg spinner and an all rounder found out how tough it is to turn the ball in England. But Salunkhe learned a few things in a very short span and adjusted to the tough climatic conditions in England. Salunkhe, who was offered scholarship by former Indian Captain and legendary Kapil Dev, and a contract with Air India had left for UK on July 14 after being nominated as the Man of the Series of the first ever Cricket realty show Cricket Star I, that was aired in April this year. At the Cricket Star Academy Salunkhe's consistent performance fetched him three Man of the Match awards, which in turn made him the Man of the Series of the Cricket Star Series I. He was one of the 23 contestants in the "Cricket Star". Going through several elimination rounds and emerging as the 'Man of the Series', Salunkhe was a determined boy to create history in the world of International Cricket. Salunkhe says, he was not serious about the Cricket until he saw Kapil Dev and Sanjay Manjrekar at the Cricket Star Venue. Later on he practiced and improved his game. During the course of the talent hunt, Salunkhe had to play 10 one dayers, which included teams like Air India and Reebok Eleven. Salunkhe, who hails from a family of a humble beginnings, said that he wouldn't have reached these heights without the support of his mother and brother. He also thanked the Cricket Star that gave him a chance to turn his dream into reality. Salunkhe will now play for Air India here. (ANI)
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