An inspiring tale of success against odds

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From a small fishing hamlet near Nagercoil to the competitive TNCA first division league, W. Antony Dhas has made quite a journey and an inspiring one at that.

Coming from an economically weaker fishing community, Dhas took seriously to the game only at the age of 19 and has made rapid strides ever since.

For someone who was forced to quit school early, Dhas wanted to prove his friends wrong by making a name in the game.

“My friends kept pulling my leg whenever I mentioned my interest to play in the IPL and Ranji Trophy.

That further strengthened my resolve and I am hopeful of playing the Buchi Babu tournament in the ensuing season and making the Ranji Trophy side at the earliest,” said Dhas.

A hopeful Dhas had to travel for nearly an hour to reach the ST Hindu College (Nagercoil) for practice. “I have been running the Sunny Cricket Club and Dhas came to join us with absolutely no experience in leather ball cricket.

We were impressed with his commitment and it was no surprise that he made the district under-19 side in the same season,” noted M. Hariharasubramanian, Secterary Kanyakumari DCA.

Dhas spent three seasons with TNCA lower division teams before graduating to play for Globe Trotters (MRF) in the first division.

“It was not easy. My father hurt his back and the injury stopped him from venturing the seas and I had to take over the responsibility of supporting the family.

With five sisters to take care of, times were really difficult but it was their support that kept me going,” added Dhas. Trotters went 17 seasons without winning the Palyampatti Shield and Dhas’ inclusion proved to be the lucky break.

Dhas has been a tireless performer for Trotters over the last two seasons although the numbers don’t truly reflect his contribution. “Dhas has shown steady progress and is one player any captain would love to have on his side.

He has worked hard on all aspects of his game and has also improved as a batsman and fielder making him a genuine all-rounder in the making,” explained Trotters chief coach M. Senthilnathan.

For Dhas the 2012-13 season will be extremely crucial. Age is certainly on his side, as the 23-year-old has to make the first class cut sooner than later.

“I was playing only tennis and rubber ball cricket till say five years ago. All this is like living in a dream. My goal is to play for the state side and also gain an IPL contract.

My skipper S. Sriram has made me believe that I am good enough to play in all three formats. I am ready for the hard yards mainly in order to give something back to my family who have backed me all the way in spite of all the tough times,” said Dhas.

The coming months will be a massive test for Dhas and one that will decide whether he has the tenacity to compete with the best.

The devotion he has shown against heavy odds is a clear pointer on where his mind is. One can only hope the best for this fighting cricketer.