H.S. Sharath – A cricketer of modest background with big dreams

HS Sharath (left)

Well, if one goes by the figures, honestly there is nothing outstanding in favour of HS Sharath. But this 20-year-old right arm medium pace bowler from Karnataka, who has just played 13 first class matches, has shown some promise. His bowling has drawn the attention of many, and he has taken 49 wickets in 13 first class matches played so far at an average of 25.26. But his is a story of unabated struggle.

In the recent win for Karnataka against Mumbai, Sharath had played a very important role. He had taken 5 wickets for 57 runs in the first innings and 3 wickets for a meagre 12 runs in the second.

Earlier this season, while playing against Orissa on 28th November, he had shown his excellent bowling skills, taking 5 wickets for 80 runs. He appears to be a consistent young man who is hard working and committed to the cause.

A very strange development which had taken place with him, is that until five years back, he used to play Kabaddi! But once he got the exposure of cricket, there was no looking back. I really wish that with the talent he possesses, he should be signed by some big franchisee for the IPL. In fact, he needs this break urgently.

HS Sharath has had a tough journey so far. He belongs to a modest background. This 6’3” youngster belongs to Hosagavi village – around 25 kms away from Bengaluru. His father is a small time farmer who has just a 3 acre farm. His father also drives auto rickshaw during the weekends to support his family.

Due to the tight schedule of vigorous net practice after the college, Sharath had to walk many a mile every day, before his father used to pick him up half way on his motor cycle. Thus, his father has played a vital role in shaping up the future of his son. Now, after seeing his son striking against Mumbai, Mr. Shivalingaiah – the proud father, is extremely happy.

HS Sharath got noticed on his debut in the Ranji Trophy in the year 2012, when he became the highest wicket taker for Karnataka with 24 scalps in 7 outings. Sharath is currently playing Herons club in KSCA first division league, and he has also undergone training from legend Glenn McGrath in the MRF pace foundation in Chennai.

In the recent past, a positive development has taken place in Indian cricket that players from less privileged class have risen to state or national level. Therefore, it becomes the sacred duty of one and all to promote such hard working young men.

Hopefully, the able administrators and selectors will take a notice of this capable young man and ensure that they nourish him into a vibrant future fast bowler for India. Amen.