07 February,2024 07:00 AM IST | Mumbai | Subodh Mayure
India’s Sachin Dhas during his 96 against South Africa in Benoni on Tuesday. Pic/Getty Images
Sachin Dhas knows what it's like to score big. By that, we don't just mean runs, something that he scored in good measure on Tuesday for India U-19 to make their ninth final in a World Cup.
Dhas's 95-ball 96 played a crucial role in India's two-wicket triumph over hosts South Africa in the semi-final at Benoni.
The Beed-based Maharashtra player is also proficient in academics.
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Being good at studies and cricket led to a conflict over what to pursue. Sanjay, 50, who represented Beed district in the Maharashtra Ranji Trophy team selection tournament (Jasdenwalla Trophy), wanted his son to chase his cricketing dreams while Sachin's mother Surekha, an Assistant Police Inspector, was against the idea.
Sachin, who led Maharashtra in all age group teams - U-14, U-16 and U-19 - secured 76 per cent in his SSC exams while in the HSC (science stream), he scored 88 per cent. And that's precisely why Surekha wanted her son to concentrate on academics.
Meanwhile, Sachin started faring well in age group tournaments. Sanjay has vivid memories of his son's first century. "The Beed U-14 district team were playing the Invitation Cup at Shinde College in Pune. He scored an unbeaten 156 after his side were struggling at 38-6 and helped Beed chase down the target. He was then selected for Maharashtra U-14," Sanjay told mid-day from Beed on Wednesday.
As Sachin's cricketing stocks grew, the academics versus cricket debate turned louder. "His mother used to say, âdon't encourage him to play sport and spoil his career. Let him concentrate on his education.' She allowed him to play only after Sachin assured her that he would concentrate on education and cricket. But I was sure that he had that spark and he enjoyed the process. We organised for him to be home-taught and he benefitted from the help his elder sister [Samiksha], gave him. She is now preparing for civil service exams," Dhas said.
Apart from naming his son after India batting legend Sachin Tendulkar, Dhas Sr played a key role in Sachin's cricketing development.
"I used to take three-year-old Sachin for my practice sessions and matches. He used to wake up early to accompany me. He used to enjoy the atmosphere and showed great interest.
"When he was around four, I took him to Adarsh Cricket Academy, where he trained under coach Shaikh Azhar. Sachin worked hard on his game. When Sachin rose to Maharashtra U-16 ranks, his mother realised that he had something in him and allowed him to concentrate on cricket. Now she is happy, enjoying his game," Dhas remarked. The Dhas household was glued to their TV set on Tuesday. "I consider the 96 against SA his best innings so far. While chasing 244, we lost four wickets early (32-4), so there was some tension. He struggled for five to six balls initially, but when he smashed his first three fours, I told myself that Sachin will win this game for India. He and skipper Uday Saharan played sensible knocks and showcased great temperament to help us enter the final," remarked Sanjay. In a way, he felt his son is fulfilling his incomplete dream. "It was my dream to play at a higher level, but I didn't have the potential. But Sachin possesses all qualities to be a big cricketer," he signed off. Sachin is not done with academics. He is in his first year of senior college and is determined to complete his science degree. Indeed, there are more runs to be scored on two different types of pitches as it were!
