Ajitesh Argal of Bhopal shines in cricket

Bhopal, Mar 02: Finishing with style, the under-19 Indian cricket team on Sunday clinched the world cup title with the help of superb performance of Ajitesh Argal, right-hand batsman and medium-pace bowler from Bhopal. Ajitesh, who claimed two wickets, was adjudged man of the match for his brilliant performance.

Fans and media persons poured in at Ajitesh’s house at E/5-Arera Colony as soon as he was declared man of the match. The colony witnessed deafening sound of firecrackers after India won the World Cup title with the help of excellent performance of teenager from the city in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Ajitesh Argal took up cricket at the age of 10. He has played for Madhya Pradesh at the Under-14 level and was included in India's squad for the U-19 World Cup in 2008. Kapil Dev and Glenn McGrath are his all-time favourite because of their fitness and consistency.

Born in Bhopal on September 21, 1988, Ajitesh made the modest total of 159 runs extremely difficult for the Proteas. Till the time rain stopped the play, Argal has already reduced the South Africa to 17 for 3 in 8.4 overs claiming wickets of Pieter Malan and Riley Rossouw. The medium-pace bowler conceded only seven runs in five overs, 3 of which coming from wide deliveries. His economy rate stood at 1.4. Though, the target was reduced to 116 from 25 overs after resumption but the Indian bowlers held their nerves and restricted the Proteas to 103 making them to fall short of target by 12 runs.

Ajitesh’s father AK Argal, a BJP leader and businessman held the victory as result of joint efforts of the teenagers and exulted that the future of Indian cricket is bright. Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan declared a reward of Rs 5 lakh for Ajitesh Argal for his brilliant performance in the final. The BCCI has already declared a cash reward of Rs 15 lakh for each player. The Chief Minister hailed the performance of the teenager and congratulated team India for winning the world cup title.