Turning point: Arc-angels spot a cricketing talent, Ludhiana U19 offie on flighted delivery to Australia.
Anmoljeet, inspired by cricket legend
Harbhajan Singh
, began playing at age seven before joining a Ludhiana academy under coach Harbhajan Kala. Initially a fast bowler and batsman, he was steered by Kala toward off-spin — a move that proved pivotal. Kala describes him as a "natural talent" destined to be a key asset for India's future squads.
The teenager's record speaks for itself. In the Vijay Merchant Trophy, he claimed 65 wickets in nine matches, surpassing the previous record of 62.
His performances earned him selection for the BCCI's Under-19 tour of India against Australia, where he took nine wickets, and for the Under-19 tour of the UK, where India won the series. The BCCI also honoured him with a Naman Award for being the tournament's highest wicket-taker.
Now preparing for matches in Australia, Anmoljeet has his sights set on the Under-19 World Cup. His ultimate ambition is to represent India at senior international level.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Villas Prices In Dubai Might Be More Affordable Than You Think
Villas In Dubai | Search Ads
Get Quote
Undo
Support at home has been unwavering. His father, Balwinder Singh, encouraged him to pause his education to focus fully on cricket, believing sports had time limits that academics did not. "Once he achieves his goal of playing for India, he can return to his studies," Balwinder said.
For Anmoljeet, the choice was clear. "I couldn't focus on both studies and sport at the same time, so I gave my priority to cricket," he said. He plans to resume his education from Class X after key cricketing milestones. Coach Kala remains confident in his pupil's trajectory. "Anmoljeet will continue to grow and excel," he said, "and could be among the best off-spinners for India".
In the words of cricket poet Arthur Salway: "Soccer is won with cultured feet and rugger with... grist; but when cricket is played the difference is made by a delicate turn of the wrist."
Stay updated with the latest local news from your
city
on
Times of India
(TOI). Check upcoming
bank holidays
,
public holidays
, and current
gold rates
and
silver prices
in your area.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Kaushik's 31-ball 95 powers Mavericks to massive win
Lucknow: Madhav Kaushik's explosive 31-ball 95, followed by disciplined bowling, powered Meerut Mavericks to a flying start in the 3rd UPT20 League, crushing Kanpur Superstars by 86 runs at the Ekana Stadium on Sunday. After a star-studded opening ceremony featuring Bollywood celebrities, which charged up the atmosphere, Madhav took it to another level with seven towering sixes and 10 exquisite boundaries. After Kanpur slumped to 30/5 in eight overs, Madhav added an unbeaten 130-run stand for the third wicket with Rituraj Sharma (60 off 26) to take Meerut to a formidable 225/2. In reply, Kanpur never looked in the contest as their batters struggled against the immaculate line and length of Meerut's bowlers. Skipper Sameer Rizvi (45) fought a lone battle, but with wickets tumbling regularly, he found no support from the other end. Once the top order collapsed, Kanpur's defeat seemed inevitable as they were restricted to 139/9, losing by 86 runs. The night truly belonged to Kaushik, who played a scintillating knock but unluckily missed out on a well-deserved century off the final ball. Having hit the previous two deliveries for a four and a six to move to 94, he needed another six off Bobby Yadav's last ball but managed only a single, falling just short of becoming the fourth centurion in UPT20 League history after Swastik Chikara, Sameer Rizvi, and Karan Sharma. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Could This NEW Collagen Blend Finally Reduce Your Cellulite? Vitauthority Learn More Undo Nonetheless, Kaushik's innings was outstanding, featuring 10 fours and seven sixes, with his half-century coming in just 18 balls. Sharma struck four fours and four sixes in his 60-run blitz, while opener Akashay Dubey provided a solid start with 44, including two fours and four sixes. The two Kanpur wickets to fall were claimed by Shubham Mishra and Bobby Yadav. For Meerut, every bowler chipped in, with Vijay Kumar, Kartik Tyagi, and Yash Garg taking two wickets each, while skipper Rinku Singh, who did not get to bat, also claimed one wicket with his off-spin in two overs. Bollywood glitz marks grand opening The opening ceremony featured performances by Bollywood singer Sunidhi Chauhan, actresses Disha Patani and Tamannaah Bhatia, and actor Sidharth Malhotra. The event was inaugurated by BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla and UPT20 governing council chairman DS Chauhan. "The UPT20 League provides a great platform for UP players to push for Indian Premier League (IPL) selection. This is the third season, and we are confident that more players will earn IPL berths this time," said Shukla. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Coco Gauff opens old family album for Corey Gauff's birthday and writes an emotional message about her journey
Coco Gauff opens old family album for Corey Gauff's birthday and writes an emotional message about her journey (Image Via Google) Coco Gauff took a pause from her busy tennis schedule to share a very personal message for her father, Corey Gauff, on his birthday. On Monday, August 18, 2025, the 21-year-old American posted two unseen photos on her Instagram story showing herself as a child standing beside her father on a tennis court and later relaxing at a beach in Florida. Along with the photos, Coco Gauff wrote a brief but clear note calling Corey Gauff her "dream fueler" and expressing thanks to her father for consistently supporting her in her tennis career. For her fans, this was a particularly unique post because the two-time Grand Slam champion rarely posts family memories. Coco Gauff praises Corey Gauff with touching words and sweet throwback pictures Coco Gauff posted the first picture early in the morning on Monday and wrote, 'Happy birthday to the best to ever do it, the man with a plan, and my dream fueler. I love you dad @coreygauff.' The second Instagram story showed the father-daughter duo at a beach and read, 'From the courts straight to the beach, lol the real & best Florida tennis dad.' These words gave a small look into their close bond. In a recent interview with The National, Coco Gauff said that her father never forced her to play tennis and that the dream was always her own. She added, 'He was always asking, 'How can I help her accomplish her dreams?'' The American tennis star also shared that Corey Gauff would have supported any decision she made, even if it was outside of tennis. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like AirSense 11 – Smart tech for deep sleep ResMed Buy Now Undo Also Read: Khamzat Chimaev Breaks Silence On His In Fight Message To Dricus Du Plessis At UFC 319 And It Could Change How The Fight Is Viewed Corey Gauff's support continues as Coco Gauff prepares for her next challenge In a brief period, Corey Gauff definitely helped Coco Gauff have a spectacular run in the WTA rankings. In her short career, the 21-year-old has won the 2023 US Open and the 2025 French Open; she is currently among the most well-known female tennis players. Coco Gauff lost to Jasmine Paolini in the quarterfinals on Friday, August 15, 2025, earlier this month at the Cincinnati Open in Ohio, following a tight three-set match. Following this, Gauff will get ready for the US Open in New York, which starts on Monday, August 25, 2025. Coco Gauff wants her third Grand Slam crown and stresses the value of family support. She will be seeking to perfect her form before the last Grand Slam of the year with her father by her side. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Heavy lifts to heavy locks: Sports Authority of India's weightlifting and athletics hub in Ludhiana weighed down by neglect.
Ludhiana: Once a cradle of champions, the Sports Authority of India's local training centre now lies under lock and key, with its flagship disciplines of athletics and weightlifting scrapped and its track and gym deserted. The facility, which produced national and international stars including Asian Games gold medallist triple jumper Arpinder Singh, has been left hollowed out by years of neglect and shrinking resources. Former athletics coach and 2018 Dronacharya Award winner Sukhdev Singh Pannu, who trained Arpinder Singh, condemned the decision to shut down disciplines that had put Ludhiana on the sporting map. "This centre still has the potential to produce medal-winners," he said, adding he had written repeatedly to authorities urging restoration of athletics but received little response. Harbans Singh, a former weightlifting coach and SAI administrator, echoed that frustration. The centre, he said, had not only produced athletes but also served society by shaping disciplined police and service personnel. "This legacy should continue, not be abandoned," he said. Both retired coaches argued that lack of inspections, coaching staff shortages, and outdated facilities accelerated the decline. They called for urgent investment in modern training programs, recovery methods and better equipment to revive the centre. Pushkar Singh, assistant director of SAI, said efforts were under way to secure resources. "These disciplines will return very soon, once we have the necessary support," he said. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
