Sukesh Hegde is expected to bear a huge responsibility on his broad shoulders.
Leading a side for the first time in ProKabaddi, the marquee player in Gujarat Fortune Giants (GFG) squad is getting used to multiple roles in a new franchise under a new management.
Four seasons with Telugu Titans saw him deliver match-winning performances, now he has moved up a step to be among captains in the expanded league. “I am looking to coaches for guidance. As captain for the first time in ProKabaddi, I am expected to play my role and also decide for the team,” said the Vijaya Bank employee.
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He is reluctant to dealing with fame and recognition away from the game. Four seasons in ProKabaddi as a raider oozing power and style got him a lot of fans at work.
“People taking selfies and photographs at a branch office was too much, so I requested for a posting when I do not need to deal with public face-to-face. Vijaya Bank put me in the recovery section where I deal with customers on the phone. I am not expected to identify myself so now workplace Is peaceful. I am given a list of names and numbers to contact and speed up in recovery process.”
The seasons with Telugu Titans earned him fame, now as captain of Gujarat Fortune Giants making a debut in ProKabaddi, Hegde has respect to go with achievement.
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For this Udipi-based player, kabaddi breakthrough happened at the right time, otherwise working in the hotel industry was the option in his mind.
“Working in hotels, sometimes far away from home in cities like Mumbai, is normal for teenagers from Udipi. I was lucky to be part of a successful Mangalore University kabaddi team. After our show in the 2012 all-India inter-university tournament in Ajmer, Vijaya Bank recruited five from that squad on a sports quota,” said Hegde, whose brother is employed with a hotel in Mumbai.
Working away from public glare he managed, though once ProKabaddi 2017 season commences for the new franchise from Gujarat, there is no scope for anonymity.
Adani Wilmar Limited, the team owners, expect their captain to lead the way. “We have the youngest side this season, so my role as captain is crucial,” said Hegde, whose work as raider will decide team fortunes.
“Iranians Fazel Atrachali, Abozar M in the defence are top class. The seniors need to show the way to victory,” he said.