Did you know?
Indian deaf cricketers ended up as the runners-up in this year’s T20 World Cup.
Things are never been easy for them. Unfortunately, they don’t get the recognition they deserve. Here’s my conversation with one of the superstars from the team right now.
Sai Akash, Tamil Nadu top-scored in the world cup for India with 178 runs in eight matches.
1. Tell us a little more about yourself, your life before and after the world cup selection.
I’m a guy who loves to be on the field all time. Failures are my best teachers and they taught me to fight harder, enormous effort and restless playing have paid off. Life remains the same and stable as I believe life is simple.
2. Your idol?
In cricket, I always look up to Suresh Raina and his brilliance on the field.
3. You were one of the top performers in the World Cup, your all-round performance did stand out. How does that make you feel?
Happy and privileged to stand out for my nation. My form and mindset was good and doesn’t want to lose an opportunity to play for my nation.
4. India ended up as the runners-up but do you think people acknowledge this?
Yes. Few people did acknowledge it. But needs more spotlight to the game and make people support and understand the beauty of this deaf cricket.
5. But the coverage in recent times has comparatively improved. What more changes can attract the fans more?
Television ads can cover mass crowd and also involving deaf cricketers on leagues like tnpl, kpl etc can make people look up to real talents rather than their disabilities and constraints.
As of now no coverage on television in this DICC world cup that’s my sadness.
6. What are the other struggles?
Physical injuries, sprains are one important aspect.
We struggled to meet practices & travel expenses for matches and no supports from any association, Government till now.
7. What are you looking forward to now? in near future?
Of course to win a DEAF ICC cup for my nation and make my nation proud.
IF YOU ARE WILLING TO HELP HIM, CONGRATULATE OR CHEER HIM UP, YOU CAN CONTACT 9894350963 (No voice calls).
