Just over a year ago, Pranav Dhanawade had taken Indian cricket by storm when he stunningly broke the 1000-run barrier in a single knock. In January 2016, the Mumbai teenager had hogged the limelight after his marathon knock for KC Gandhi against Arya Gurukul in the inter-school U-16 Bhandari Trophy, when he played a stunning knock of 1,009 runs not out which is still a world record.
As a result of that knock, Dhanawade had received widespread praise and received a contract with the Air India and an offer to join one of Mumbai’s premier clubs Dadar-Union. He was also sponsored for a trip to the United Kingdom to get a feel for English conditions. The rising star was also awarded a scholarship by Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA). The MCA had granted him a scholarship according to which he was entitled to get Rs 10,000 per month for five years.
However, surprisingly Dhanawade has refused to accept the scholarship because he couldn’t live up to expectations and is now solely focused on bringing his carer back on track. Following the monumental knock last year, the teenager could not quite come up with consistent performances and is now looking to rectify it.
His lukewarm performances have also affected his career. According to NDTV, he is no longer needed to train with the Air India team and has been asked to look out for a new club by Dadar-Union. He was also included in the final Mumbai U-19 probables. But instead of cursing others, Dhanawade’s father Prashant and coach Mobin Shaikh have admitted that the youngster has not scored runs on the local circuit.
On Wednesday (November 7), Dhanawade’s father wrote a letter to MCA [a copy of which is with mid-day] and requested them to discontinue the scholarship with immediate effect.
“We are thankful for the scholarship that the MCA announced when he created a world record with his unbeaten 1009. Since Pranav has not performed to expectations in the last one and a half years, it is not right for us to accept the MCA scholarship. If Pranav performs well later, the MCA can think of awarding him a scholarship. As of now, I request you to discontinue it with immediate effect,” Prashant, who drives an autorickshaw to make ends meet, wrote in his letter.
The decision to not receive the scholarship was jointly taken by Dhanawade’s father and coach Mobin Shaikh.The coach felt that his ward has failed to bat freely since
“A lot of people pass comments like, ‘Pranav made enough money from the 1009-run knock. So, there is no need for him to play any cricket now’. People also started spreading rumours that he has now got a house in Bandra. All this false talk hurts us. Not living up to expectations was also bothering him. We don’t want any accusation of him accepting the scholarship money and kuch kiya nahi. We want to erase all memories of that (1009-run) knock. The aim is to play a high level of cricket, but not at the cost of integrity. We just want him to enjoy his cricket like he used to before the 1009,” Shaikh told mid-day.
Prashant, on the other hand, is a relieved man after writing to MCA.
“We never asked for money. We have always appealed for better facilities and infrastructure from all those who came forward to help Pranav after his knock. They promised to bear the cost of his education and cricketing expenses but nobody addressed our actual need of proper training facilities and quality pitches. Bhuke ko khane ki zaroorat hai, kapde ki nahi (Those who are hungry require food, not clothes),” he said.
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