Bipin Dani
Playing in the IPL (Indian Premier League), scoring four hundreds in one Ranji Trophy season, owning the house, buying a Benz car and participating in the 2023 World Cup. These are the desires “new Azhar” from Kerala is eyeing.
“The wish-list has been hanging on the wardrobe in my brother’s room”, Mohammed Azharuddeen, who recently became the first Kerala player to hit a century (37 balls) in the domestic T20 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy (against Mumbai in Mumbai).
Ever since 26-year-old Thalangara-born (District : Kasaragod) Azaruddeen broke into the Kerala squad six seasons ago, he has been dubbed as “Azhar in the making”.
“One of my other seven brothers (Kamruddeen) was working in the UAE when I was born and wanted my name to be kept after India’s former captain (Azharuddin)”, junior Azhar said.
“Yes, I have met Azhar bhai twice. The first meeting was in my hometown. It was a very special one. I also met him in Hyderabad thereafter”.
It (his fast century) was the third fastest T20 century by an Indian after Rishabh Pant (32 balls) and Rohit Sharma (35 balls). Sadly, he was out first ball in the next match.
“Cricket is a funny game. One day you are a hero and the other day zero. I have no regrets”, he said.
“I hope to play for India and even my late parents would have loved to see me play for the country”.
Junior Azhar lost both parents a few years ago. Elaborating about his ambitions, he says, “I am fond of Mercedes cars and it is my childhood dream to have one Benz one day. Also, I live in my 5th elder brother’s (Unais) house but would like to have my own before I marry”. “My ultimate goal is to play the World Cup in 2023”, he concluded.
