NEW DELHI: Nine-year-old Drushil Chauhan is now a household name in Perth. You ask for Drushil in Joondalup, a suburb of Perth, Western Australia, and people there will be happy to guide you to his place. The neighbors are visiting his place quite often now to meet the kid who has become a bit of a celebrity in those parts.
His father Mehul Chauhan happily narrates the story of his son sharing space with India skipper Rohit Sharma and meeting the legendary Rahul Dravid.
It was nothing short of a fairytale for Drushil when he was invited to hit the nets with Rohit. He was among over 100 kids who were playing cricket in Perth, while the scheduled practice sessions were on.
Drushil, who wants to be an all-rounder is a left arm pacer and was bowling with a smooth run-up. He bowled a couple of in-swingers and out-swingers. Rohit, after finishing his practice session at the nets, was walking to the dressing room, when he stopped for a bit to see the nine-year-old bowling. He then walked towards the dressing room. He stood in the balcony outside the dressing room and kept a close eye on the kid. He also called Indian Team analyst Hari Prasad, spinner Yuzvendra Chahal, head coach Dravid and batting coach Vikram Rathore to see this young talent.
(Image credit: TOI special arrangement)
Drushil and his father were completely unaware of this.
A dedicated Drushil was ripping apart the stumps of the batters, with his swingers and yorkers in the area given to the kids for play and practice, while he was being watched by some of the biggest names of all time in international cricket.
"It was an honour for Drushil. He has got natural talent. He just loves cricket and his passion for the sport is extraordinary," Drushil's father Mehul Chauhan told TimesofIndia.com in an exclusive interview from Perth.
Mehul was busy clicking his son's photos and then he heard someone saying: 'Excuse me. Captain Rohit wants to meet this kid. Please be here tomorrow morning.'
"I was like - Really? Is that true? I was really surprised" Drushil’s father Mehul told TimesofIndia.com.
Mehul took some time to let those words sink in, then he smiled, held his son's hands, and told him the news.
"I told him that I have never met any cricketer in my life but you deserve to meet the legendary Indian captain Rohit Sharma because he saw you and liked your bowling which happens once in a lifetime, especially from persons who represent India," Mehul further told TimesofIndia.com.
Drushil with his father Mehul Chauhan (Image credit: TOI special arrangement)
The youngster was elated and happily went home. He was now eagerly waiting for the next morning.
His father gave Drushil some advice and packed his kit bag. He had a sleepless night. He knew something big was going to happen in his son's life.
“It was a proud moment for us. Every year, when the BBL session is about to start we go and attend all the cricket events. We visit the WACA stadium for cricket events. He (Drushil) is a big fan of the Perth Scorchers. When we heard that the Indian team is coming here. I decided to take Drushil there so that he can get inspiration from these international stars - like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya," Mehul further said.
"We reached two hours early. We were waiting eagerly. When Rohit walked through, Drushil shouted 'hey Rohit Sharma, this is Drushil here'. Rohit turned, greeted, and acknowledged him. He said to wait for 10 more minutes and that he would be taking him (Drushil) to the nets. I tied Drushil's shoelaces properly and wished him luck," the proud father further told TimesofIndia.com.
Rohit went to the dressing room, put his pads on, and asked someone to bring Drushil to the nets. The Indian skipper threw a ball towards Dhrushil and asked him to bowl. The kid bowled one over to the Indian skipper.
(Image credit: TOI special arrangement)
"I bowled inswing and outswing deliveries to Rohit Sharma. I also tried one yorker and one short-length delivery. I wanted to bowl a variety of deliveries to him. I couldn't beat him (laughs). He played those with ease. But I could swing the ball," the 9-year-old Drushil, who is a Perth Scorchers fan, told TimesofIndia.com.
(Image credit: TOI special arrangement)
"I also spoke to him (Rohit). He appreciated my bowling and asked about my background and discussed cricket with me. I was so happy and honored to speak with the Indian captain. I admire him," the youngster further told TimeofIndia.com.
(Image credit: TOI special arrangement)
Drushil also got the opportunity to meet coach Dravid and batting coach Rathore.
(Image credit: TOI special arrangement)
"Rahul Dravid appreciated my bowling and said 'keep it up'. Vikram Rathore also said 'well done'," Drushil further recalled.
(Image credit: TOI special arrangement)
KAPIL DEV AND ROHIT SHARMA - THE INSPIRATIONS
Mehul Chauhan is from Vadodara and he shifted his base to Perth 14 years ago. He wanted to become a cricketer, but it was a dream that he couldn't chase. When Drushil was born, Mehul decided to make him a cricketer. He used to watch 1983 World Cup videos with Drushil and the youngster fell in love with the game and decided to try and become an all-rounder, much like the legendary Kapil Dev.
"I want to bat like Rohit Sharma and bowl like Kapil Dev. I admire Rohit Sharma. It was really wonderful speaking with the legend (Rohit) and taking tips from him," Drushil said.
Tim David with Drushil (Image credit: TOI special arrangement)
"My father shows me cricket videos and he told me to learn and pick up skills (from there). He has a good collection of videos. I learn from those. He always backs me and motivates me. In Australia, I have met many international cricketers and have clicked many pictures with them," the nine-year-old signed off.
