New Delhi: It’s not an easy task to start from a scratch and rise high in the life, fighting all the odds that come in between. It would have been similar for Juned Khan, a promising Indian cricket who shined at the recently-concluded Irani Cup 2024. Juned, who did all the odd jobs, even driving an auto-rickshaw on the roads of Mumbai, never stayed away from his passion for the game of cricket.
The young pacer, hailing from Kannauj in Uttar Pradesh, made his first-class debut for Mumbai in the prestigious Irani Cup and impressed everyone with his superior bowling skills. Juned never dreamt of playing cricket at a certain level but always had that hope in his heart that he will pursue his passion and fulfill it one day with his relentlessness.
From working in a garment factory to driving an auto to the prestigious Irani Cup
Young Juned migrated to Mumbai from his hometown in Uttar Pradesh in the search of a job that could help in supporting his family. He started working in a garment factory and then drove an auto-rickshaw on the roads of Mumbai despite being a minor. Juned was once driving his auto and landed at the Sanjeevani Cricket Academy, managed by former wicketkeeper Manish Bangera.
In spite of his limited experience with the leather-ball cricket, Juned’s talent caught the attention of Bangera, who encouraged the youngster to continue sharpening his skills and pursue his passion for cricket. Thus began the journey of Juned towards becoming a professional cricketer.
Spotted by Abhishek Nayar
A major highlight of Juned’s career was when he was spotted by former cricketer Abhishek Nayar, who was then the assistant coach of IPL team Kolkata Knight Riders. While Juned was playing the Police Shield Tournament, Nayar was impressed seeing the young man bowl and invited him to the KKR camp as a net bowler.
KKR Academy’s Juned Khan makes his debut for Mumbai in Irani Cup. pic.twitter.com/wFPzNtpOZZ
— KnightRidersXtra (@KRxtra) October 1, 2024
Juned’s consistent performances in tournaments like the Buchi Babu and KSCA impressed selectors, and he was picked to represent Mumbai in the Irani Cup. Meanwhile, Mumbai clinched their 15th Irani Cup title after a huge gap of 27 years.
Juned Khan’s consistent performances in tournaments like the Buchi Babu and KSCA impressed selectors, and he was picked to represent Mumbai in the Irani Cup. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
