ILLURI AJAY KUMAR REDDY
- Age:26
- Hometown:Gurazala, Andhra Pradesh
- Education/Qualification:B.A. Graduate
- Category:B2 (Partially Blind)
Ajay Kumar lost his vision due to an accident at the age of 4. He was introduced to Blind Cricket by his seniors in Blind School. Former Indian Blind Cricket Captain, Shekhar Naik, motivated Ajay Kumar to take up the sport. While in school, he started his Blind Cricket innings with a District Level Tournament. His first International Tournament was against England in 2010. So far, he has received multiple awards and aspires to win many more.
ACHIEVEMENTS
- More than 50 ‘Man of the Series’ and ‘Man of the Match’ awards
- Was a part of the ODI World Cup winning team
- Received a cash reward from the Sports Ministry and MSJE
- Was a part of the Asia Cup winning team
- Received the ‘Best Sports Person’ award from the Andhra Pradesh Government
- Received a promotion from ‘Clerk’ to ‘Officer’ under sports quota
DUNNA VENKATESWARA RAO
- Age:26
- Hometown:URK Puram, Andhra Pradesh
- Education/Qualification:12th Pass
- Category:B2 (Partially Blind)
Dunna started playing Blind Cricket since the time he was in Blind School. The sport has given him an optimistic outlook towards life. While his first State Tournament was at Kurnool in 2008, Dunna’s first International match was against Pakistan in 2011. Dunna aspires to hold world records in the game under his name.
ACHIEVEMENTS
- 15 time ‘Man of the Series’ award winner in State, Zonal and National Tournaments
- Man of the Match’ awards in South Zone, National and International Tournaments
- Received cash rewards of Rs. 7 Lakh and Rs. 1.5 Lakh from the Government of India
- Was a part of the ODI World Cup winning team in 2014
SUNIL R.
- Age:18
- Hometown:Alduru, Karnataka
- Education/Qualification:12th Pass
- Category:B3 (Partially Sighted)
An accident at the age of 4 years damaged Sunil’s eyesight. He started studies at a Blind School where he was formally introduced to Blind Cricket by his seniors. His first State Tournament was at Ramnagar in 2012. The 2016 Asia Cup was his first step in International Cricket. Sunil’s youthfulness and zest makes him a powerful player.
ACHIEVEMENTS
- 6 time ‘Man of the Series’ award winner in State, Zonal and National Tournaments
- 8 time ‘Man of the Match’ award winner in the South Zone, National and International Tournaments
- Received a cash reward of Rs. 1.5 Lakh from the Government of India
- Received a cash reward of Rs. 5 Lakh from the State Government of Karnataka
- Was a part of the Asia Cup winning team in 2016
PRAKASHA JAYARAMAIAH
- Age:32
- Hometown:Channapatana, Karnataka
- Education/Qualification:SSLC
- Category:B3 (Partially Sighted)
Prakasha lost his eyesight to an accident when he was just 8 months old. He was inspired to play Blind Cricket at school when he witnessed his senior engaged in the sport. The State Tournament at Ramnagar in 1998 marked his professional entry in the sport. 12 years later in 2010, Prakasha played his first International match against England. Prakasha is an experienced player and his insights and learnings are an inspiration for upcoming Blind Cricketers.
ACHIEVEMENTS
- 40 time ‘Man of the Series’ award winner in State, Zonal and National Tournaments
- 88 time ‘Man of the Match’ award winner in South Zone, National and International Tournaments
- Received a cash reward of Rs. 1.5 Lakh from the Government of India
- Received a cash reward of Rs. 5 Lakh from the State Government of Karnataka
- Was a part of the Asia Cup winning team in 2016
PREM KUMAR G.
- Age:26
- Hometown:Seesam Gunthala, Andhra Pradesh
- Education/Qualification:B.A. Graduate
- Category:B1 (Fully Blind)
Prem Kumar was 7 years old when an accident made him lose his eyesight. His Blind Cricket coaching started when he was in school and his first State Tournament was at Nandyala in 2007. The 2016 Asia Cup marked his debut on the International field. Prem Kumar believes his sincerity will guide him to win many championships for the team.
ACHIEVEMENTS
- 2 time ‘Man of the Series’ award winner in State, Zonal and National Tournaments
- 8 time ‘Man of the Match’ award winner in the South Zone, National and International Tournaments
- Received a cash reward of Rs. 1.5 Lakh from the Government of India
- Was a part of the Asia Cup winning team in 2016
T. DURGARAO
- Age:20
- Hometown:Kopparavalasa, Andhra Pradesh
- Education/Qualification:B.Com Graduate
- Category:B3 (Partially Sighted)
Durgarao was 5 years old when an accident led to an eye injury which caused complete blindness. His sports journey began after his peers at Blind School encouraged him to take up Blind Cricket. His first tournament was in the year 2011. In the World Cup 2014 held in South Africa, Durgarao played his first International match against Pakistan.
ACHIEVEMENTS
- 4 time ‘Man of the Series’ award winner in State, Zonal, National and International Tournaments
- 15 time ‘Man of the Match’ award winner in South Zone, National and International Tournaments
ANIL BHAI JAYESH BHAI GARIYA
- Age:28
- Hometown:Ugta, Gujarat
- Education/Qualification:12th Pass and Specialization in PTC
- Category:B2 (Partially Blind)
Anil is one of the most experienced players in the team. He lost his sight at the age of 3 to an accident. He had always been active and energetic in his Blind School. His Sports teacher motivated him to practice Blind Cricket and to utilize his energy in the sport. His first tournament was at District Level in the year 1999. His International innings began in 2016, in the Asia Cup. Along with being a Blind Cricketer, Anil is also an athlete and has won accolades in Athletics.
ACHIEVEMENTS
- Several ‘Man of the Match’ and ‘Man of the Series’ awards
- Received a cash reward from the MSJE
- Was a part of the Asia Cup winning team in 2016
- Has won medals in Athletics
GANESH BHAI ISHWAR BHAI MUHUNDKAR
- Age:28
- Hometown:Rajpuri Jungle, Gujarat
- Education/Qualification:12th Pass
- Category:B2 (Partially Blind)
Ganesh was just 4 years old when he met with an accident that left him blind. He took up Blind Cricket while in school and played his first State Level Tournament in the year 2001. The 4th ODI World Cup in 2014 marked his debut in International Cricket.
ACHIEVEMENTS
- 2 time ‘Man of the Series’ award winner
- Several ‘Man of the Match’ awards
- Received a cash reward from the Sports Ministry and MSJE
- Was a part of the 4th ODI World Cup winning team in 2014
RAMBIR SINGH
- Age:18
- Hometown:Shahzadpur, Haryana
- Education/Qualification:B.A. 1st Year
- Category:B3 (Partially Sighted)
Rambir lost his vision to Cancer. His friends at Blind School encouraged and supported him to join their Blind Cricket team. He played his first tournament in the year 2006 and his first International Tournament in 2016. Rambir’s age and his energy make him a player to vouch for.
ACHIEVEMENTS
- 1 time ‘Man of the Series’ award winner
- 2 time ‘Man of the Match’ awards
- Received a cash reward from the MSJE
- Was a part of the Asia Cup winning team in 2016
DEEPAK MALIK
- Age:21
- Hometown:Bhainswal Kalan, Haryana
- Education/Qualification:11th Pass
- Category:B3 (Partially Sighted)
At a very young age, Deepak lost his vision after an ignited firecracker accidently found its way to his eyes. He started his education in a Blind School where he became familiar with Blind Cricket. His seniors were already a part of the team that played International Tournaments and considering them his idols, Deepak decided to pursue the sport. His first School tournament was in 2011 and within a span of 3 years, he played his first International match against Pakistan. Apart from cricket, Deepak is also interested in Athletics.
ACHIEVEMENTS
- 8 time 'Man of the Series' award winner
- Several '˜Man of the Match' awards
- 10 medals in Athletics
SURAJIT GHARA
- Age:22
- Hometown:Kanchanpur, West Bengal
- Education/Qualification:12th Pass
- Category:B2 (Partially Blind)
Surajit is blind by birth. The Bengal Blind Cricket Board and Management motivated him to practice Blind Cricket and he took up the sport in school. His first National Level Tournament was in 2013, where he represented his State. Soon after in the next year, Surajit played his first International match against Australia. Surajit has never seen the world but he is adamant to make this world proud of him with his achievements.
ACHIEVEMENTS
- 3 time 'Man of the Series' award winner
- Several 'Man of the Match' awards
SONU GOLKAR
Sonu lost his vision due to complications during a surgery. At school, Sonu frequently interacted with his seniors who were a part of the Blind Cricket team. His teacher encouraged him to join their team and thus began Sonu’s journey. He represented his school in his very first tournament in 1999 and in 2015, he featured in International Cricket where he played against England. The journey and spirit of his fellow International players motivate him to excel in this sport.
ACHIEVEMENTS
- 2 time 'Man of the Series' award winner
- Several 'Man of the Match' awards
- Received a Cash reward from the MSJE
- Was a part of the Asia Cup winning team in 2016
MD. JAFAR IQBAL
- Age:28
- Hometown:Bhubaneswar, Odisha
- Education/Qualification:M.A. Graduate
- Category:B1 (Fully Blind)
Jafar is blind by birth. His first encounter with Blind Cricket happened while in school and since then, the sport has become an integral part of his life. He got selected for a State Level Tournament in 2000 and his first International Tournament was in 2011 against Pakistan. Jafar is an experienced player and encourages young talent to participate in this sport.
ACHIEVEMENTS
- 5 time 'Man of the Series' award winner
- Several '˜Man of the Match' awards
- Received a cash reward from the MSJE and Sports Ministry
- Received cash rewards from the Odisha Government
NARESHBHAI TUMDA
- Age:26
- hometown:Navsari, Gujarat
- Education/Qualification:10th Pass
- Category:B1
Nareshbhai lost vision in his right eye when the fluid from a Papaya leaf fell into it. After he was enrolled in a school for the blind near Surat, he became interested in cricket and started showing an immense talent for the game, lapping up laurels from all quarters. Post his Zonal and National Tournament wins, he is ready for his maiden innings in the National Team.
ACHIEVEMENTS
- Scored 126 runs for Gujarat in a match against Mumbai
- Declared Man of the Match at a match in Lucknow
- An athlete with an excellent performance in Long Jump and 100-meter events
BASAPPA VADGOL
- Age:23
- Hometown:Belgaum, Karnataka
- Education/Qualification:B. A (Arts)
- Category:B1
Basappa, visually impaired since birth, got introduced to the world of cricket at his blind school. He made the most of his passion for the sport by participating in school team events and state level matches. His skills were noticed by the fraternity and he is all set to foray into the big league with his debut match in World Cup 2018.
ACHIEVEMENTS
- He’s an all-rounder who can bat, ball and field equally well
MAHENDRA VAISHNAV
- Age:32
- Hometown:Hyderabad
- Education/Qualification:Degree in HR
- Category:B1
As a kid, Mahendra developed Steven Jolram Syndrome and was operated for it. However, he soon developed chronic dry eye syndrome and lost his eyesight. At the blind school he attended, he developed a passion for the game and was picked for the Indian Team for Blind Cricket. In his first match itself, he showed potential and is ready to repeat his stellar act in Dubai as well!
ACHIEVEMENTS
- He is the first blind cricketer from India to set a world record in bowling– five wickets in an innings
PANKAJ BHUE
- Age:23
- Hometown:Bargash, Orissa
- Education/Qualification:Diploma in Elementary Education
- Category:B3
Visually impaired since birth, Pankaj never let that come in the way of chasing his dreams that of playing cricket and representing the country at the National Level. The turning point came when he was selected to play for his district in 2006. The same year, he was also selected for the State. His streak continued as he was selected for the Indian Team in 2011, and he is now gunning for victory at the World Cup.
ACHIEVEMENTS
- He took three wickets in the finals of the T-20 World Cup to help India lift the World Cup
- He has won medals in 100 and 200 meters sprint events.
- He has a Gold Medal in Long Jump and High Jump
- In all, he has bagged 12 medals in Athletics