Teenagers Arshin Kulkarni and Sachin Dhas have been friends for years now. From representing Maharashtra in age-group cricket, and India in the Under-19 World Cup to making their First-class debuts in the same match, both have come a long way together.
And both have rode the highs and lows of their budding cricketing journey together as well. Still smarting from the disappointing loss to Australia in the U-19 World Cup 2024 final, the duo boarded the flight to India. But, unlike most of their counterparts who would have been heading to the comforts of their home trying to get over the loss Kulkarni and Dhas were prepping for a major milestone in their careers – A First-Class debut. Their exploits in the U-19 World Cup had given enough confidence to the Maharashtra team management and they were summoned to play the team’s final Ranji Trophy fixture against Services in New Delhi. In many ways, Kulkarni and Dhas are taking the first step towards what it means to be a professional cricketer. One match after the other, one tournament after the other. Win or lose, you take it in the stride and move on.
South Africa to Delhi, via Dubai and Mumbai, and they were in the Maharashtra dressing room, alongside veterans like Kedar Jadhav and Ankit Bawne and rising star Ruturaj Gaikwad.
“We were in South Africa when we got the call that we would be playing the last game in the Ranji Trophy,” Kulkarni told News18 CricketNext on the sidelines of the game between Maharashtra and Services at the Palam Air Force Ground, Delhi.
“It’s a great feeling. We (Arshin and Sachin Dhas) have got a chance to make our debuts in First-Class cricket right after the U-19 World Cup. It’s a big achievement for us. Being a part of a dressing room where we have Ruturaj (Gaikwad) da, Ankit (Bawne) da, and Kedar Jadhav sir is great. Also, the conditions here in Palam are a bit tough so the experience has been very good,” added Kulkarni.
It is worth mentioning that the two players, who aren’t even 20, were called up for a Ranji game even when Col CK Nayudu Trophy (U23 multiday match tournament) was also underway. For Dhas, graduating straight to a senior dressing room was a surreal feeling.
“It was a great feeling to share the dressing room with such players. Ruturaj Bhaiyya, Kedar Bhaiyya, Ankit Bhaiyaa… playing alongside them was a huge experience and we, me and Arshin got to learn several things,” Dhas told CricketNext after the game.
Kulkarni made the most of the opportunity, scoring a maiden half-century in the second innings after registering two in his maiden dig. Dhas, on the other hand, managed scores of 19 & 2. While his friend reached a memorable milestone, Dhas isn’t fretting over his underwhelming outings. Instead, he is thankful for the opportunity he received.
“It was a great learning for me. Yes, I was in great form which I couldn’t translate in this game. But, I will take a lesson from this innings,” Dhas said.
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“It was a great experience. Representing my state Maharashtra was a dream for me and I was able to fulfill it. I was at the World Cup where I scored a hundred and then played a match-winning knock in the semi-final. So, then I received the call from our manager that Maharashtra’s last match is in Delhi (against Services) and I will be playing,” he added.
The Final Heartbreak in South Africa
India and Australia were the only two unbeaten sides who locked horns in the final of the U-19 World Cup 2024. All eyes were on Uday Saharan’s boys. The heartbreak of the 2023 ODI World Cup loss was still fresh, and the Indians fans wanted the Colts to settle the score, but as Dhas would say, ‘it wasn’t our day’.
Chasing the highest-ever score in the U-19 World Cup final, India were bowled out for 174 and the Aussies clinched the title by 79 runs. Similar to their senior counterparts, India were the team to beat but failed to get over the final hurdle, and for Dhas and Kulkarni, the loss still rankles.
“We had a good tournament barring the final. We played like a unit. There were some very new and good experiences. We got to learn a lot,” said Kulkarni.
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“Each and every one of us was shattered. It’s a dream of every cricketer to win the World Cup for the country. We did well throughout the tournament but that day… wo apna din nahi tha. The mindset was simple. We were prepared for everything. It’s just that we couldn’t execute our plans and thus, we lost the game,” Dhas added.
Kulkarni to Join Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2024
The 19-year-old all-rounder will be a part of the Lucknow Super Giants dugout in the IPL 2024 and is pretty excited to “learn new things” from Justin Langer and KL Rahul. “I’m excited for the IPL. It’s a big platform. Justin Langer sir is there, KL Rahul Sir is there so it’s an opportunity for me to learn a lot of new things,” he said.
Dhas Recalls His Father’s Struggle
Sanjay Dhas was a huge cricket fanatic and an ardent Sachin Tendulkar fan. He couldn’t play the game at a professional level but pushed his son, who he named after Tendulkar, to take it as a profession and play for the country.
Dhas recalled how his father went against his family to groom his son to be a cricketer. “It was my father’s dream that someday I’ll become a cricketer. In fact, he named me after the legendary Sachin Tendulkar. His struggles are more than mine. He went against the family so that I could be a cricketer. He backed me and took care of everything,” Dhas said.
“His friends used to say – ‘Don’t make him play cricket’. But he never paid heed to that. He did what he always dreamt of. He couldn’t play but I’m here,” he added.
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