Pranav was not part of MCA U-16 team and hence wasn't considered for the West Zone outfit.
Remember Pranav Dhanawade? The Kalyan boy who created a world record by scoring 1009* in an U-16 inter-school cricket match for KC Gandhi English School against Arya Gurukul School earlier on January 5.
He is trending on social media once again. No, not for another 1000-run feat about his non-selection in the U-16 West Zone squad for the inter-zonal cricket tournament.
Cricket fans across social media have erupted in anger over Dhanawade's non-inclusion in the squad, while questioning the selection of Sachin Tendulkar's son Arjun.
While the fans may be angry, the young boy's family and coach, Mubin Sheikh, are not complaining.
"I heard there is a lot of talk about Pranav's non selection in the West Zone U-16 squad, but we are not sad and not even thinking about it. In cricket, you cannot talk about things that are not is our control," Sheikh said.
Mumbai Cricket Association joint secretary PV Shetty said it is difficult to pick Dhanawade right now. "I cannot say about the zonal selection but we cannot pick him in the Mumbai probables too unless he scores runs. We haven't heard about him after he scored those 1,000 runs. But we will definitely include him if he starts scoring consistently," said Shetty.
MCA had rewarded Dhanawade with a monthly scholarship of Rs 10,000 after he achieved the feat.
Sheikh, on the other hand, said the lad has time to make it to the next level. "He was destined to play that innings of 1,000 runs. Before that innings he was ordinary, but after playing that knock, he has only improved by leaps and bounds," he said.
"However, he still has time. Maybe another two years to even make it to the U-19 team. We don't need to pressurise him. Just let him enjoy the game," he said.
Talking about people making comparisons with Arjun and Dhanawade, Sheikh said: "It is unfair to both the kids. Pranav and Arjun are friends and have played together for MIG. Arjun is a good cricketer. It all the more sad considering his father has done the country proud so many times. One should not indulge in these thoughts," he said.
Post the historic knock that came in the quarterfinal, Dhanawde has managed a 150 in the semifinal and a couple of 40s in the rest of the games.
"After that knock, we haven't had enough time to work on his game. That 1000 was followed by 150. However, the final is yet to take place. He then got busy with his Class 10 exams.
"He managed a few 40s after that including a 45 that came against seniors in a club game. That knock against the big boys was better than the 1000-run feat for me," the coach added.
Sheikh, who was also the coach of the Kalyan Centre in the MCA selection tournament, said he was forced to sit him out of the last game.
"He did not get runs, and hence I had to drop him from one of the games. I am working on his game and I am sure that he is going to comeback strongly because he has the talent to be an attacking batsman and a wicket-keeper," he said.
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 "Pranav Dhanawade")
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