In fifteen years, Mumbai’s local lad becomes the Ranji Trophy finalist and then turns into IPL aspirant: Bhupen Lalwani.

The Crowded Cricket Field’ in Mumbai is a place where young talents are connected to the zigs and the zags. What Bhupen Lalwani’s journey reveals is the fact that there should never be a quit as well the persistence in achieving goals. However, among the turmoil lies the talent of Lalwani whose impact on the cricket fans’ hearts is only matched by his magnificent play during the tough Ranji Trophy which has given him the recognition.

The main achievement of Lalwani is in the rise of Mumbai glorification and with every passing choice, becoming more attractive for the IPL teams. As such Tournament plays with high intensity and is prestigious, The MI Jersey that Lalwani might wear will be a peak of the cricketing journey.

In a recent interview, Lalwani was present and he was so joyous when he realized that he could represent the home state team, MI in the IPL, in addition to the huge moment of his career. The enchanted expression on the boys’ faces; recalled his heroes of cricket from Mumbai who played for the defending Orient.

“When it comes to playing in the IPL (Indian Premier League) for Mumbai, I have had similar aspirations for a long time. Lalwani said this with all his eyes lit up with the hopes of him being the perfect match for some greatest cricketers. “I had been telling myself I would reach that league one day and play alongside the greatest of all times.”

Lalwani’s way to cricket stardom could have been smoother. In Mumbai, as in the case of many other aspiring cricketers, he faced the challenges and struggles present in the intensely competitive cricketing culture of the city. From local tournaments where he battled with his opponents to age-group cricket where he showed his best performance, Lalwani’s road through the levels is clear evidence of his guts and perseverance.

His recent splendid outings in the Ranji Trophy, where he displayed his batting skill have attracted a lot of applause from all sides. Scoring crucial runs against the opposition under pressure and behaving like an old pro, Lalwani’s performances have very much contributed to Mumbai’s winning strategy in the tournament.

However, Lalwani’s aspirations go beyond winning individual awards and matches. His love for the game is matched only by his desire to motivate the future cricketers of Mumbai. Lalwani stated, “I want to be the role model for young cricketers who wish to be great players one day” and he sounded a little responsible. “I seek for them to be enlightened by the way I go through it, and for them to know that they can succeed in life through struggle and determination.”

Apart from the cricket pitch, Lalwani’s accomplishments in the realm of society have also secured him recognition and awards. Recently, he was awarded by the ASK Foundation for his outstanding performance in his cricketing career and his dedication to social causes. This acknowledgement for him signifies a push to do more and use his status as a cricketer to benefit the community.

With the team getting more and more excited it is close to a possibility that Lalwani will be seen in the MI jersey during IPL. Nowadays his dreams have become more real than ever before, therefore he wants to make something to remember him and his efforts forever in Mumbai’s cricket history book. Then again, IPL is all glamour and the whole show but in the centre of the limelight, he still stands upright among the influence of the core values absorbed from his upbringing, his family and well-wishers who stood by him.

Lalwani symbolizes the pinch-hitter of Mumbai Indians who not only has got the final burst of celebration victory but also has been proved to be a real star and instrumental for the team’s success. This is a symbol of Mumbai cricket tradition, the inspiration of young players and the pride of the people who are die-hard cricketers in the city. As he was busy preparing to crave glory and fame in the world’s greatest game of cricket, one thing was “as clear as crystal” for Bhupen Lalwani – the journey never gets to end, it is just the beginning.

Temple of the Cricket in Mumbai is again starting a brand new legend, and Bhupen Lalwani will be the main personality to lead this land. As the city is overwhelmed with this suppression, Lalwani is just a step away from his marble status and ready to grab the moment of showing his great talent to the people who will include his name in the cricketing records. Mumbai’s Ranji trophy lad is on his first step only, he is too early to speak about his success but great things are awaiting us in the future.