Utkarsh Dwivedi from Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh is an ambidextrous bowler & was a reserve player for Mumbai Indians for 2015. He is well known as the world’s first ambidextrous wrist spinner. He is well known in India, but hasn’t got a chance to play for the state yet. He has exceptional skills and talent. Even after facing alot of problems, he overcame all of them and is following the path of his dreams.
1. When did you first start playing cricket ?
I started playing tennis cricket at the age of 6 in front of my house yard. That was the time when my interest in cricket started to grow. I started playing professionally at the age of 12 when I joined Kamla Club Academy in 2010.
2. What was the response of your family when you chose cricket as your field of career ?
I didn’t really get the support from my family when I chose cricket. I belong to a middle class family. My father left me when I was 2 years old. My mother faced a lot of problems while raising me and my siblings. My mother was not very happy with the choice of my career. But I decided to go with my dream, as cricket is not just a game for me, it’s my life.
3. When and under what circumstances did you become an ambidextrous bowler ?
Ambidextrous bowling was the result of an accident faced by me in Jan 2014. I was injured in a road accident in which my right had muscles and tissues got damaged. The doctor advised me not to bowl atleast 6-8 months. That’s when I started bowling from left hand. It needed much more practice and miracle happened, and I became an ambidextrous bowler.
4. Were you let down by the failures faced by you intially ?
I was never let down as I accept every failure as a challenge. I never Give up on anything. According to me, problems and failure makes me more strong. I always enjoy my struggle. And I want to defeat every difficulty.
5. Which cricketer do you take as your inspiration ?
My inspiration, my Idol is the movie character IQBAL, from the movie Iqbal. A Cricketer who is not able to speak and belongs to a really poor background. He always dreamt to play for his country. And most importantly he was a bowler. I can relate to that character with my dreams. This movie has always inspired me to run after my dream.
Also read “Rahul Chahar : Success Journey of an All Rounder in Under 19 Indian Cricket Team”
6. Talk about your experience as a reserve player for Mumbai Indians ?
On Dec 2014, I got a call from Neeta Ambani’s secretary, from Reliance Foundation Group, as they knew about my skills. When I went to the office I was asked to submit state level certificate. As I didn’t play for state yet, they said they will inform in 15 days. After 15 days I got a call, that I was selected as a Reserve Player for MI.
7. Few words that you would like to say to the struggling cricketers ?
I just want to say all the youngsters and struggling people of every kind of field, that never give up and believe in yourself and work hard. Accept your difficulties as your challenges and you will be a winner one day.
8. How do you feel when you are so well appreciated as an ambidextrous bowler ?
I feel really good and content when people appreciate me for my skills and talent. This wouldn’t have been possible without my hard work, dedication and my love for this game.
9. Even though being excel in your field, when you didn’t get a chance to play for state level, what led you to go on ?
I was never let down when I wasn’t given a chance to play as I am known by the entire country as the first ambidextrous wrist spinner of the world.
I know that I am made to play for my country and not just the state. I believe on my game and myself. Not playing for the state is not big for me as no one can bowl like me and I am waiting for my chance.
10. How did you overcome your ligament tear injury ? Did you morale get down when the doctor advised not to play anymore ?
When I was advised by the doctor not to bowl for 6 to 8 months, my morale didn’t go down. As it was the time for me to think different and I decided to do something about it, rather than feeling let down.
