From driving an auto rickshaw to leading Mumbai's bowling attack, Juned hits the fast lane
Lucknow: The 24-year-old pacer Mohammad Juned Khan, who made his first-class debut for Mumbai in the Irani Cup, now dreams of representing the 42-time Ranji Trophy champions. His remarkable journey, from a small town in Uttar Pradesh to the Mumbai team, showcases determination and perseverance.
In his debut match, Juned made an instant impact by taking a big first wicket, dismissing Rest of India’s captain, Ruturaj Gaikwad, for 9 runs. Skipper Ajinkya Rahane handed him the team’s cap just before the five-day Irani Cup match at the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, a moment Juned had long awaited.
His journey to Mumbai’s squad was not easy. Hailing from a farming family in Kannauj, 127 km from Lucknow, Juned moved to Mumbai in 2014 in search of work. He initially worked as a helper in a jeans factory in Andheri and later started driving an auto rickshaw from 2015 to 2018. It was in 2019 that he joined Sanjeevani Cricket Academy after meeting his mentor, Abhishek Nayar.
“Abhishek Sir saw my passion and advised me to quit driving the auto and focus entirely on cricket. It changed my life,” Juned recalls. Without proper bowling spikes, he continued training with rubber studs, determined to make a name for himself in cricket.
Juned’s hard work paid off when he was roped in as a net bowler by Kolkata Knight Riders and subsequently performed well in local club cricket, Karnataka Cricket Association events, and the Bucchi Babu Tournament.
Despite living with his auto driver friends in Bandra, Mumbai, Juned remains focused on his goal to clock 140-145 kmph in the upcoming Ranji Trophy matches. He currently bowls at around 130 kmph but aims to increase his speed and draw inspiration from fast bowlers like Mohammed Shami.
“Playing alongside seasoned bowlers like Mukesh Kumar was a great learning experience,” says Juned, who hopes to replicate his success in the upcoming Ranji Trophy season.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Thousands of Indian students in Canada queue for restaurant jobs, sparks online debate
Toronto: A viral video has raised concerns after allegedly showing a long line of students, reportedly from India, queuing outside the Tandoori Flame restaurant in Brampton, Canada. The footage, which has quickly circulated on social media, captures around 3,000 students waiting to be interviewed for waiter and server positions.
The video, posted on X by Megh Updates, has sparked a debate over the opportunities available for international students, especially those aspiring to study or work in Canada. The caption accompanying the video reads, "Scary scenes from Canada as 3,000 students (mostly Indian) line up for waiter and servant jobs after an advertisement by a new restaurant opening in Brampton. Massive unemployment in Trudeau's Canada? Students leaving India for Canada with rosy dreams need serious introspection!"
Scary scenes from Canada as 3000 students (mostly Indian) line up for waiter & servant job after an advertisement by a new restaurant opening in Brampton.
— Megh Updates 🚨™ (@MeghUpdates) October 3, 2024
Massive unemployment in Trudeau's Canada? Students leaving India for Canada with rosy dreams need serious introspection! pic.twitter.com/fd7Sm3jlfI
While the video’s authenticity is not verified, it has triggered widespread discussions online. Some users expressed concerns over the timing of moving abroad amidst economic uncertainty. One commented, “People need to understand that with a recession looming overhead, this is not the right time to move abroad.”
Others defended the students, suggesting that working part-time in restaurants is a common practice for many international students. One user noted, “If they are students and still studying, working in a restaurant is probably a part-time job to support themselves. That should not be called unemployment.”
Supporters of the students also highlighted the challenges faced by international students, pointing out that many eventually succeed despite difficult initial conditions. “Maybe the beginning is tough for these students who dream big in Canada. I have seen that, despite extremely tough conditions, they eventually succeed and lead enriching lives compared to back home,” read one comment.
