When Hyderabadi youngster Bhagath Verma was called up as a substitute for an injured player to join the India U19 team on their tour of England, it was pure chance. The youth has been having a difficult time on and off the field, and this first call-up to the national team will help him make amends.
He’ll represent the under-19s, who will play two Tests and five One-Day Internationals in England. Bhagath had a successful domestic career. The off-spinner made fast strides in his bowling under the supervision of former HCA secretary K. John Manoj last season, and he took plenty of wickets.
Surprising call
“I was only hoping for this call after my results in the Cooch Behar Trophy last season, where I took 35 wickets in six matches to finish fifth in the championship,” he said in an interview with Sportstarlive.
Bhagath owes his achievements to his mother, who has been a pillar of support for him. “I owe my mother all in my life” (Uma Devi who works in Bharti Cements). I would not have gotten this far without her sacrifices,” Bhagath said.
At Mehboob College High School, he learned the ropes from his coach and mentor, Mohd Iqbal. Bhagath’s storey is similar to that of any other cricketer in India who wishes to make a name for himself at the national level, from developing his talent in the humble grounds of his hometown to receiving a dream call to play under-19 cricket with the national team.
Bhagath owes his achievements to his mother, who has been a pillar of support for him. “I owe my mother all in my life” (Uma Devi who works in Bharti Cements). I would not have gotten this far without her sacrifices,” Bhagath said.
At Mehboob College High School, he learned the ropes from his coach and mentor, Mohd Iqbal. Bhagath’s storey is similar to that of any other cricketer in India who wishes to make a name for himself at the national level, from developing his talent in the humble grounds of his hometown to receiving a dream call to play under-19 cricket with the national team.
“My next goal is to play for India in the Under-19 World Cup,” said the offie, who has already made a name for himself at Kosaraju CC. Harbhajan Singh was mentioned by Bhagath as a role model and inspiration. Ravichandran Ashwin is a follower of his, and he meticulously observes his variants.
”Yes, I am putting in a lot of effort to master the carom ball. Ashwin sir is a fine example of that, and I’ll be glad if I can learn a few things from seeing his bowling videos,” said Bhagath, who is currently playing in the HCA League championship for R. Dayanand CC.
The Cooch Behar Trophy’s seven-wicket haul was revealed by the U-19 bowler. He said, “I depend on my line and length with the top spinner as my stock ball.” The jewel of a spell gave him a new sense of self-assurance and made him believe he had arrived. “It was the spell that gave me a lot of trust, and I never looked back after that,” he concluded.