Earlier this year, the Indian blind cricket team made history by becoming the first in 140 years to win against an Australian team in a bilateral series. Excerpts from an interviews with captain Deepak Malik
Q Can you tell us about your early days?
My father, a farmer, struggled to educate me due to financial constraints. At the age of four years, I met with a small accident which affected my left eye. After surgery, there was infection in both eyes. I was completely devastated but willed myself to go on. I studied in a regular school till class VI but had to move to Lutheran High School for the Blind thereafter, where I completed class X. I graduated from Nizam College, Hyderabad, but struggled hard to find a job till I was selected as a clerk in State Bank of Hyderabad where I work today. Without the support of the bank, I do not think it would be possible for me to play cricket. So I am really indebted to them.
Q How did you get interested in cricket?
I loved watching people play regular cricket and wished to play as well but that was not possible due to my poor eyesight. When I learnt that cricket is also played by the visually impaired, I joined a blind school. I developed my cricketing skills at Lutheran High School. However, I longed to play in the big league; so encouraged by the sports teacher, Sharath Babu who coached me, I started practicing regularly.
Q What are some of the difficulties you encountered?
Lack of playing equipment was a major problem - we had the use of just one cricket bat for the entire school. Shortage of cricket balls and protection guards; lack of sponsors and poor awareness about the game were other deterrents.
Q What kind of training is required?
The game is almost similar to regular cricket. However, while practising more attention is paid to the rules and regulations of blind cricket which involves certain modifications. Partially blind players escort and guide totally blind players during coaching sessions.
Q Which was the turning point in your career?
Being selected to represent the Indian team for the first time in August 2010 during the India-England ODI bi-lateral series was a momentous occasion for me.
Q Which Indian cricketers do you admire?
I admire Sachin for his patience, Sehwag for his aggressive game and Dravid for his techniques.
Q What has cricket taught you?
By providing exposure to different people, countries, languages and cultures, it has helped me evolve as a person.
Q If there is one thing you would like to change about blind cricket in India what would it be?
Cricket for the blind should be on par with regular cricket. Support from BCCI and recognition by the Government of India is of paramount importance to the game.
Q What has been your most memorable moment on field?
Winning the first-ever T20 Asia Cup Cricket Tournament for the Blind held in January 2016 at Kochi was an unforgettable moment as I captained the Indian team for the first time.
Q How exciting is it to play against Pakistan?
Playing against Pakistan is always an adrenaline rush and brings out an intense fighting spirit which is inexpressible.
Q What are your future plans?
At the moment, all my energy is focused on practising for the 2nd T20 World Cup Cricket Tournament for the Blind 2016 which I would like to win as a member of team India.
Q Are you happy with the new talent?
A lot of talented cricketers are emerging these days from the state, zonal and national level tournaments. It is solely due to the efforts by Samarthanam Trust for the Disabled and Cricket Association for the Blind in India that the game is doing well, both nationally and internationally. They have displayed passion and zeal in taking the game forward since 2010, without any support or sponsorship in the initial years. It would be great to have many more tournaments and games in future to help a larger number of talented cricketers to come forward.