Another Keralite who defied the football craze and became a cricketer - the story of Sachin Baby

Virat Kolhi’s determination has bee awe-inspiring for Sachin Baby and the rest of RCB

Association with world-class cricketers

Baby is playing alongside the two best batsmen of this generation, Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers, an experience which is going to benefit him in inestimable ways.He heaped praises on both of his legendary teammates.

“Virat Bhai is an inspiration to all of us. His mere presence in the team sends across positive vibes. He is extremely committed to the sport and works very hard. AB is down to earth. Getting a chance to bat alongside him twice in this IPL is one of the best things that have happened to me. Both Virat Bhai and AB have taught me a lot about the game and building a partnership”.

The batting line-up of RCB is phenomenal. Impose as big a run-figure you can, Gayle, Kohli, AB and Watson are likely to chase it. But the inadequate bowling, as seen since the inception of this season, has been a matter of concern. Sachin, however, feels that the RCB side is well-balanced.

“I do not feeling bowling is a concern. Starc, Milne, Badree and Shamsi, all four top bowlers are injured. Despite their absence, we have been able to win matches”, he said with confidence.

With various cricketers taking to social media in awe of Kohli’s heroics, we couldn’t resist Baby’s comments on the 50 ball 113 that Kohli produced with seven stitches on his fingers. “Virat bhai is on a mission. I saw him struggling with the pain. He was not even able to carry his bag and kit. He kept telling us that winning the next 4 matches was more important to him than anything else. He can fight any discomfort for the cup. Such is his determination”.

On his cricketing idol

Apart from AB de Villiers, MS Dhoni is the cricketing idol Baby has always looked up to. He believes that Dhoni is a self-made cricketer who, coming from a modest background, effortlessly carved a niche for himself as the captain of the Indian Cricket Team.

“Dhoni too comes from a place where cricket is not a very dominant sport and facilities are less. He can tackle any kind of bowler on any pitch. *pauses* Well, do you really need me to describe someone like Dhoni?’”, he smilingly questioned back.

When asked if he has ever earned a word of acknowledgment from his role model, he called to mind, “Ummm, this year Kerala played an ODI against Jharkhand in Bangalore. I scored a 60 something which garnered me a ‘well played’ remark from MSD. That moment will be etched in my mind for eternity”, Baby said with an air of euphoria.

A mountain boy who was made an athlete by Mother Nature

For those who have followed domestic cricket, it is no news that Sachin Baby is a kind of player who can perform well in all 3 formats of the game. According to Baby, having been born and brought up in the hillside made him an athlete naturally. When asked how he prepares himself physically and mentally for all 3 formats, he explained,

“The game between the bat and ball is same in all formats. I just see the situation and play. It’s the same game, how you adapt to the demanding situation is what matters. Also, you are required to stay fit and healthy for all formats. I workout hard at the gym. Coming from a high-range place, I think I am an athlete naturally!’, he grinned.

Sachin, who seemed as down to earth as Tendulkar, is leaving no stone unturned to become a proud ‘Baby’ of his cricket-crazy mother. To go past beyond the horizon of IPL and get a call from the Indian Team may seem challenging as he may have to fend off superlative competition.