On a cricketing spree

This young cricketer is a model and actor too.

Fifteen-year-old Divyanshu Saxena has two goals in life: playing for the Indian cricket team in the World Cup and receiving a pat on his back from his icon Sourav Ganguly.
A resident of Laxmi Nagar, this young lad has played in many zonal and national tournaments and has proven his calibre. Bowler of the tournament in JK Tyres Adventure Cup in Nanital, Divyanshu believes that one day he'll be a part of the Indian cricket team.

Television bug
Divyanshu doesn't like any interruption while watching cricket matches on TV. He can't recall since when he has been watching live matches on television. "I always used to get drawn by this sport. I was amazed when I got to know that 60 per cent people in our country are glued to TV when a cricket match is going on. Since then, I made up my mind to become a good cricketer," said Divyanshu.
When Divyanshu discussed his dream to become a cricketer with his parents, they initially took it as a fascination towards the sport. However, they later realised his passion for the game and motivated him to take professional training. He practises at LB Shastri Cricket Coaching Centre and Turf Cricket Academy.  

Studies vs cricket
Divyanshu frowns at the mention of studies. However, he understands that to become successful in life, studies are very important.  "Initially, it was difficult for me to balance both studies and cricket as after cricket practice, I used to feel lethargic. Soon, I decided that whatever I'll learn in school I'll try to concentrate on that fully so that later I don't have to give extra time in tuitions or self-study. And it worked and I was able to manage both cricket and studies well," reveals Divyanshu.
Divyanshu also thanks his school principal Anuradha Joshi of Sardar Patel School for adjusting his academic schedules according to his tournament dates.

Triumphs in kitty
Divyanshu was selected to play school nationals from UP and Delhi in 2007 and 2008. He also played with the Australians in T-20 School National Commonwealth Cricket Cup in under-16 category in 2009. "I would like to give the credit of all these achievements to my coaches Pankaj Maitrey, Udey Gupte, Naveen Chopra, Jaswinder Singh and Sanjay Bhardwaj. While playing Hot Weather Tournament in Punjab, our team was all out for 96 runs. We all were disappointed with our performance. I remembered the techniques given by my coach to defeat the opponents. I followed them and told the same to my team as I was the captain and we won the match by 36 runs," said Divyanshu proudly.
Besides this, Divyanshu has also experienced the glamorous world of modelling. He has modelled for CNBC Channel, World Cup, Iron Rod and has also worked in an ad commercial with Rajat Tokas. "I have played lead in a TV serial 'Sabaq' for DD National," he said.

--Tarun khanna