Premature baby to U19 World Cup, Saumy's story

PRETERM birth meant Saumy Kumar Pandey had a difficult childhood as he used to fall ill quite often. His parents — Krishna Kumar and Sharmila — used to dread seasonal change as it made their son prone to illnesses like cold, cough and viral fever. It continued for almost five years even as the parents — both government teachers — visited numerous doctors in Rewa district of Madhya Pradesh. Most of them suggested physical activities like cycling or swimming for Saumy.

- FIROZ MIRZA

Given their jobs and working hours, the parents, instead, opted for cricket and got their son enrolled in Vindhya Cricket Academy. The decision turned out to be a masterstroke as it not only helped Saumy get rid of his illnesses but also presented him with a long-term career option in the sport he incidentally fell in love with when he was just a toddler. Now 19-year-old, Saumy has recently made his international debut in the ACC U19 Asia Cup and is ready to represent the country in the U19 World Cup scheduled to begin next month in South Africa both as a slow left-arm orthodox bowler and vice-captain of the team.

“As he was born in seven months, he was weak and used to fall ill whenever there is change in weather. Doctors advised physical activities like cycling or swimming but once he turned five, we opted for cricket as we (him and his wife) are working parents and did not have time,” father Krishna Kumar told this daily.