Chama Vrajendra Milind has achieved what many can only dream of. This left-arm fast bowler from Hyderabad has made it to the India under-19 team for the forthcoming tour of Australia and New Zealand.
Someone who has always been rated high and is known for his commitment to the sport, 18-year-old Milind is a student of Aurora Degree College and the only one from the city in the team.
“This is a big moment. A dream come true. Honestly, I was just hoping to make it, if not fully confident. But, I must say the hat-trick against Tamil Nadu in the Vijay Hazare Trophy in Shimoga was a huge turning point in terms of confidence and self-belief,” Milind told The Hindu from the National Cricket Academy in Bangalore.
“I dedicate this to my parents, coaches and my friends and teammates,” he says.
A product of St. John’s Coaching Foundation in Secunderabad, this talented cricketer proved his ability to rise to the occasion when he grabbed a hat-trick against Tamil Nadu in the 2013 Mushtaq Ali Trophy T-20 championship in Shimoga, which also saw Hyderabad record its only win in the championship.
“He is a diligent cricketer always trying to put in that extra effort,” affirms cricket coach John Manoj.
In cricketing circles, it is widely perceived that playing for the India under-19 team is moving one big step closer to playing for the country.
“Well, I am not thinking too far right now. My focus is to do well whenever I am given the opportunity to perform,” says the unassuming Milind, son of C. V. Anand, himself a former Hyderabad under-22 cricketer, and now Commissioner of Police, Cyberabad.
A huge admirer of Aussie left-armer Mitchell Johnson and the explosive Virender Sehwag, Milind is also a pretty handy bat down the order.
“Yes, I am aware that it is always important to be good in all departments of the game. So, I am working a lot on my batting too,” he reminds.
C.V. Anand is naturally delighted. “This is a great day for our entire family. We have struggled so much to realise this big dream,” remarked the proud father.
