Our enterprising and vibrant bhatiasamaaj has produced fine sportspersons over the last many decades. Whether it is swimming, waterpolo, gymnastics, martial arts or cricket, sportspersons from our community have made a name for themselves and made the samaaj proud with their achievements. These distinguished personalities stand as an example of determination, hard work and excellence for the bhatia youth. We have featured some of them in our earlier issues.

The lockdown period bought the Global Bhatia team, the good fortune of interacting with Sagar Udeshi; a budding cricketer and a rising star on the national cricket scene. Sagar comes across as a shy but gritty individual whose exploits on the field have impressed several talent scouts for the Indian Premier League teams.

Just like any other boy from Mumbai with cricketing dreams in his eyes, Sagar took up the sport and toiled for years on Mumbai’s maidans, claiming wickets consistently in ‘A’ division cricket. He played for Fort Vijay CC and Parsee Gymkhana all these years strengthening his game.With the Supreme Court diktat paving way for new states to be part of BCCI tournaments at all levels, an offer from Puducherry (Pondicherry) Ranji team came calling. Sagar took the plunge and that has changed his career trajectory forever.

Sagar went on to claim six wickets on his Ranji trophy debut! While the Mumbai Ranji team is struggling to find a quality spinner, the city’s very own left-arm tweaker is making heads roll for another state team.Isn’t this such an amazing tale of what hard work and a never-say-die attitude can get you!

Let’s get to know our very own bhatia Sagar Udeshi:

Full name : Sagar Paresh Udeshi

Born : October 14, 1986, Mumbai, Maharashtra

Current age : 33 years 263 days

Major teams : Chilaw Marians Cricket Club, PuducherryRanji Team

Batting style : Left-hand bat

Bowling style : Slow left-arm orthodox

1) What made you pick up cricket and not any other sport?

S :Cricket is in my blood, it’s the sport played in my house since last 4 generation so picking up cricket came naturally at the age of 6.

2) How did you prepare yourself all these years? What kind of struggle have you endured?

S :Regular and consistent practice, never giving up on rejection or failures and always trying to give my 100% whenever playing a match.

Struggles are nothing new for any sportsmen, be it not getting selected for higher level games or not being able to give your best same has happened with me but all I have done is grab every opportunity that I was given.

3) Who is your idol from the sport?

S :Shane Warne

4) Who is your biggest support system?

S :My Parents are the one who never let me give up on my dreams. They always allowed me to do what I wanted.

7) Tell us about your playing for India / IPL dreams

S :Playing for India is a dream that I have seen since childhood but I believe in one step at a time, so currently I fulfilled my longest lasting dream of playing Ranji.

If IPL OR INDIA happens it will be icing on the cake !

All I can say is let’s keep fingers crossed while I keep giving my best.

8) What is your lockdown routine like

S :Sincere diet with one or two cheat days.Regular exercise at home and now with some relaxation in the lockdown have started with my fitness workouts.

9) What does it mean to be a Bhatia to you

S :Being Bhatia to me means being attached to a powerful lineage whom I hope to make proud at International level someday.