Sharad Vesawkar, born on October 6, 1988, is a name that resonates deeply within Nepalese cricket. A right-handed middle-order batsman and a right-arm off-break bowler, Vesawkar has played a crucial role in the evolution of Nepalese cricket on the international stage. His journey from the dusty cricket grounds of Nepal to the global cricketing arena is nothing short of inspirational. His determination, resilience, and undying love for the game have made him an icon for aspiring cricketers in Nepal and beyond.
Sharad Vesawkar: Early Life and Love for Cricket
Born and raised in the United Arab Emirates, Sharad Vesawkar’s early exposure to cricket was shaped by his father, Dilip Vesawkar, an engineer of Indian descent, and his Nepalese mother, Himali. His childhood was marked by an intense passion for cricket, shared with his brother, Mahendra. However, his cricketing dreams truly began to take shape when the family moved back to Nepal in 1995 after his father’s retirement.
Despite cricket being in its infancy in Nepal, Sharad Vesawkar‘s passion for the game only intensified. He studied at Modern Indian School before transferring to Himalayan Vidhya Mandir. With no proper cricketing infrastructure, he practiced in an open field near his house, refining his technique through sheer dedication. His straight shots were born out of necessity, avoiding broken windows rather than tactical precision. However, this discipline would later become a defining feature of his batting style.
Stepping into Professional Cricket
Sharad Vesawkar’s journey into professional cricket began in 2002 when he participated in the selection event for Nepal’s U-15 team. Determined to either make it or leave cricket, he impressed selectors with his performances. His stunning six half-centuries against Indian clubs during the closed camp training solidified his potential. His selection for Nepal’s Under-15 team was the first step towards an illustrious career.
His first major international event was the Under-15 Asia Cup in UAE, where he displayed his batting prowess by scoring 275 runs in eight matches, including a century against Qatar and a solid 78 against India. These performances earned him a spot in the Dream Team, leading to a tour of Sri Lanka. Unfortunately, he received this great news amid personal tragedy—his father had passed away from a heart attack during a business trip to India. However, Vesawkar’s resilience saw him push forward, dedicating his success to his father’s memory.
International Breakthrough and Career Highlights
Sharad Vesawkar made his senior debut for Nepal against the UAE in March 2004 during the ICC Intercontinental Cup. He quickly cemented his place in the national team with consistent performances. Over the years, he has been instrumental in Nepal’s rise on the global stage.
One of his most memorable achievements came in the 2010 ICC World Cricket League Division Five, where Sharad Vesawkar became the third Nepalese cricketer to score an international century. His unbeaten 105 off 134 balls against Fiji showcased his ability to anchor an innings and lead from the front.
His contribution to Nepal’s success in the 2013 ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier was particularly remarkable. Previously known for his defensive batting, he shocked the cricketing world with an aggressive style, playing crucial match-winning knocks. One of the highlights was his three consecutive sixes in the last over against Kenya, helping Nepal chase a record 183-run target. His heroics against Hong Kong in the quarter-final and UAE in the third-place match played a vital role in Nepal’s qualification for their first-ever ICC World Twenty20 in 2014.
In August 2018, Sharad Vesawkar made history by playing in Nepal’s first-ever One Day International (ODI) against the Netherlands. His contributions in subsequent matches further solidified his reputation as a reliable middle-order batsman.
Leadership and Domestic Success
Beyond his international exploits, Sharad Vesawkar has been a leader in Nepalese domestic cricket. He captained Panchakanya Tej in the Everest Premier League in 2016 and later led Bhairahawa Gladiators from 2017 to 2021. His leadership extended to multiple domestic tournaments, including the Dhangadhi Premier League and Pokhara Premier League, where he guided his teams to multiple finals and titles.
His leadership was evident when he led Pokhara Paltan to victory in the inaugural season of the Pokhara Premier League in 2017. Though his team lost the final in 2018, his ability to build competitive teams was widely acknowledged. In 2022, he took charge of Pokhara Avengers in the Nepal T20 League, further cementing his role as a mentor and leader in Nepalese cricket.
Overcoming Challenges and Personal Growth
Vesawkar’s journey has not been without challenges. One of the most significant hurdles he faced was his struggle for Nepalese citizenship. Despite representing the country at various levels, he lacked official documentation, preventing him from obtaining a passport. This issue was finally resolved before the 2013 ICC World Twenty20 Qualifier, allowing him to fully commit to Nepal’s cricketing future.
His personal life has also been in the spotlight, particularly his marriage to popular Nepali actress Nisha Adhikari. Their union symbolized a blend of entertainment and sports, making them one of Nepal’s most celebrated couples. Despite the pressures of public life, Vesawkar has maintained his focus on cricket, continuously striving to elevate Nepalese cricket to new heights.
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