Breaking all myths and stereotypes, Ajinkya Rahane has emerged as one of India’s finest cricketer. But Rahane’s journey has been anything but easy.
In a recent interview, Rahane opened up and shared the difficulties that he faced while growing up.
Speaking to India Today, Rahane recalled his struggling days when his mother used to walk 6 kms for his training because they did not have enough money to afford a rickshaw.
While sharing how his mother used to carry his brother in one arm and his kit bag in another for nearly 6-8 kilometers, Rahane mentioned:
“My cricketing journey started in Dombivli. I still remember my mother used to walk with me with my kit bag in one hand and my brother in her other arm and we used to walk 6-8 kms one way. We could not afford rickshaw fare at that time. Often I used to get tired and so I would ask my mother to take a rickshaw but she also did not have an answer to that. So once in a week, we used to take a rickshaw ride,”
Further dedicating his success to his parents, Rahane mentioned:
“I am here because of my parents. For them, I am still the same Ajinkya Rahane. My family has sacrificed a lot for me so it was my dream to do something for them. I had seen that during my train journeys when I was 7. My father came with me on my first day from Dombivli to CST and dropped me and went to work. The second day he told me that now on I had to travel alone.
So my father dropped me to Dombivli station and I took the train but later I got to know that my father was on the other compartment behind me. He followed me to CST to see if I could travel alone or not. Once he was assured that I was safe then he let me travel alone. I remember all the sacrifices they had made for me. They used to take me to cricket practice and never interfered or questioned about my performance,”
Despite their poor financial background, it is heart-touching how Rahane’s parents not only believed in his dreams but also provided the best support they could.
Though many applaud Rahane for his achievements, we forget to celebrate his selfless father & mother who worked really hard to make their son’s dream a reality.
At IFORHER, we salute every parent who tries relentlessly to give their kid a better life – a life full of health, happiness, and hope. More power to them!