NAGPUR: In 2019, city's Lokesh Marghade was one of the probables for the World Cup for differently abled. He had even notched up 70 not out in the only trial match he got. Unfortunately, he missed the bus to England, where India were crowned champions.
It was disheartening for Marghade to not be a part of the Indian squad. Later, the 25-year-old wicketkeeper took up a job as both his parents are retired teachers. However, the hunger for playing for India made him restless and he decided to resign from a private job.
Ever since then, the wicketkeeper is making all his chances count. On Friday, in Guzder League 'C' Division final, Marghade notched up a title-winning 86-run knock, which he terms a part of the process. He was the only differently abled person to play the tournament.
"As I was not getting proper time to pursue cricket, I decided to leave my job. Now, I just have to perform at my level best. Be it any match, I just try to stay longer in the middle. I feel this is the only way I could stay in contention," said Marghade, who holds the record of being the youngest Indian differently abled player to play for the country in 2016. He was 19 then.
The Vidarbha skipper born with a twisted ankle has been consistent in every tournament he is playing these days. Marghade was also the top run-getter in the Challenger Trophy in December 2021. He had scored 169 runs with a couple of fifties in 4 games in Chandigarh.
"I feel the input my seniors from Sahas Cricket Club are giving is helping me in a big way. I just wish to better myself as I want to stage a comeback to the Indian team," he said.
After the confident show in Chandigarh, the wicketkeeper is likely to be considered by BCCI for another tournament, which could be in the lines of the Challenger Trophy, to be played in a couple of months.
