Mumbai's capital gain! Delhi-born Angkrish Raghuvanshi makes it to India U-19 squad

India U-19 cricketer Angkrish Raghuvanshi (left) with coach Abhishek Nayar

A lot of the time people come to Mumbai to pursue a career in Bollywood or cricket. Delhi-born Angkrish Raghuvanshi first came to Mumbai when he was 11 to train under former India all-rounder Abhishek Nayar and made the city of dreams his base. On Friday, opening batsman Raghuvanshi, 17, was selected in the 20-member India squad for the U-19 Asia Cup to be held in the United Arab Emirates from December 23. Delhi's Yash Dhull will lead the team.

Raghuvanshi scored 214 runs (two half-centuries) in four matches of the U-19 Vinoo Mankad Trophy at Ahmedabad in September-October. In the U-19 Challenger Trophy last month at Ahmedabad, he scored 141 runs in five matches, representing India ‘E'.

Sporting family

Raghuvanshi hails from a sporting family. While his father Avneesh represented India in tennis, mum Malika played basketball for the country. Raghuvanshi's younger brother Krishang, 16, is set to leave for Europe next month to compete in tennis tournaments.

Before moving to Mumbai, Raghuvanshi was coached by Mansoor Ali Khan at Gurgaon. "Initially, it was a difficult decision. I came to Mumbai for a week and practiced with Abhishek sir and Omkar Salvi sir at Wilson College Gymkhana. I had never experienced that kind of practice in my life. When Abhishek sir told my parents to shift to Mumbai, I was convinced that this would be the best decision for my cricket," Raghuvanshi told mid-day on Friday.

In safe hands

Raghuvanshi was referred to Nayar by former Mumbai opener Sahil Kukreja, who happens to be his uncle. Raghuvanshi's father knew his son was in safe hands under Nayar. "They say, a guru is bigger than parents. So, Abhishek has played a role that is bigger than us. Apart from his cricketing acumen, Abhishek is selfless and hardworking," said Raghuvanshi Sr.

Raghuvanshi stayed at Nayar's Powai residence ever since he set base in Mumbai. His mother was never hesitant about sending her son away. "Sahil is already there. Abhishek sir treats him like his own son. We are just like proxy parents. Abhishek sir and his wife Natasha are like his real parents. As a coach, as a mentor I think God has sent Abhishek sir in his life," she said. Raghuvanshi, who played for Swami Vivekanand International School, Borivli in the U-16 Harris Shield, was part of Mumbai's U-16 Vijay Merchant Trophy-winning team in 2019.

"There is a lot of excitement because it is a dream to play for the country. I just want to express myself. This is just the beginning," Raghuvanshi said. His Apollo Cricket Club coach Vinayak Mane is also delighted. "He has a very strong foundation and good technique. He plays good cricketing shots," said the former Mumbai batsman.