Sankhali’s Heramb in Team India U-19

PANJIM: Goa’s Heramb Parab has been selected to represent India Under-19 cricket team for Youth Asia Cup in Colombo, Sri Lanka from December 13 to 24.

“I’m very excited to play for the country. It was always my dream and today I can say my hardwork is paying me off. I thank the Almighty for giving this opportunity,” said all excited Parab while speaking to Herald following his selection in the team.

“My journey begins from here. Now that I have got an opportunity to play for the country, I will try to perform well and aim to earn my place in the National team,” Parab added.

Considering Zaheer Khan as his role model, the lad lovingly known as ‘lambu’ (lanky) --was the wrecker-in-chief for his team as his individual brilliance won the team many matches and tournaments.

Heramb began his cricketing journey at the age of nine when he was first spotted at Margao Cricket Academy (MCA) by Sports Authority of Goa coach Hemant Angle.

“I came across Heramb almost 10 years back when he joined the summer cricket camp at RCC ground, Margao. The young lad had lot of passion for the game. He was very hard working, that earned him place in the Goa junior teams,” recollected coach Angle.

From there on, there was tremendous progress in Heramb’s cricketing growth and soon the lad was a regular in the Goa Cricket Association’s U-14, U-16 and U-19 teams. 

The Multipurpose Commerce College, Borda-Margao, student’s exceptional performance in Ahmadabad in the year 2012 won MCA their first National title as the lad claimed five wickets in the final.

Parab was also the pillar for Sportsweek Cricket Club wherein his brilliant performance throughout – with the ball and bat in the GCA B Division League earned them promotion in the GCA A Division.

“His excellent bowling display throughout the B Division League earned us the promotion though he is equally good with the bat. And now on, the big clubs will come knocking at his door,” Angle predicted.

“Heramb -- from his childhood was very hardworking and talented lad. He is coming up and there is lot more within him that he is yet to explore. He has not realised his full potential and with this opportunity he will do well for India,” Angle concluded.

Goa Cricket Association President Chetan Desai and Secretary Vinod Phadke congratulated Parab for being selected.

“Do not let the money that comes with cricket be a stumbling block to your career. Concentrate on only cricket now, and the rest will follow later. The GCA is there to give you all the assistance in reaching top," Chetan Desai advised Parab.