My hard work has paid off, says Arvind

Nearly six years ago, S Arvind was facing a situation that’s the nightmare of every sportsperson. An on-field collision with a team-mate in Chennai had damaged the ligaments on his knee so badly that a return to cricket seemed improbable.

But it only fuelled his determination, coming out of that nasty, career-threatening injury to become a stronger individual and a better bowler. The Karnataka left-arm medium-pacer impressed all, bagging 26 wickets from eight matches in the Ranji Trophy Super League 2010/11 season, and also produced a sterling show for Royal Challengers Bangalore in IPL IV.

Now, the 27-year old Karnataka bowler finds himself in the Indian squad for the home one-day series against England next month. His reaction started was along expected lines.“It is a dream fullfilled, my hard work has paid off," said Arvind. "I was expecting this call after my good performances in last year’s Ranji Trophy and in IPL IV. But didn’t expect this call at this point of time, especially after I missed the Emerging Tour of Australia due to injury. I was looking at this year’s Ranji Trophy to brighten my chances to get a national call."

His father, Srinath, was the first person Arvind wanted to convey the news to. But a quirk of fate didn’t allow him that pleasure. “I got the news about my selection today at 3’o clock, and I felt so elated. I tried calling my father, but couldn’t reach him because he had left his mobile at home. Then my mother called me, and I conveyed the news to her.”
There was a word of gratitude for former Indian skipper Anil Kumble, now president of KSCA and Chief mentor of RCB. “A lot of thanks to Anil Kumble sir for encouraging and supporting me.”
Then he stressed on his readiness for the England challenge. “I am really looking forward to the challenge. I have really been working hard on my bowling ever since recovering from the injury. I think I am a better bowler than I was a couple of years back. I hope to get a match and give my best. I have always believed in my ability to play in all formats, and now that I have got the opportunity to play for the country, all I want is to bring good name to my parents and the sport.”

Arvind will not be alone in the Indian dressing room as he will have the company of State-mate R Vinay Kumar. It will certainly act as a de-stressing factor. “It’s nice that Vinay is in the side. In the Karnataka Ranji side, Vinay plays the role of a mentor to me and Mithun, so I will be getting guidance from him even in the Indian team, and that will help ease the pressure on me.” he said.