Episode 42

Mar 27 2007

Sukhvir is India’s first Cricket Star!

Mayhem, magic and emotions were palpable at the finale of Cricket Star. On a lighter note, the boys were introduced as enthusiastic stars in a music video, but they were still very nervous and tense as the time to declare the Cricket Star approached.

Kapil Dev voiced his appreciation of the groundbreaking show and shared his experiences at the academy. Manoj Badale, chairman of IIC, who flew down for the finale, also expressed the positive impact this would have and extended hope to future participants for sponsorship, recognition and furthering a career that would otherwise seem impossible.

From among the four players the selectors chose for the Man of the Series award, Dinesh Salunke won the trophy hands down. A deserved win for someone who was Man of the Match three times.

Praveth was the first to leave the stage—he failed to garner enough public votes. Wicketkeeper batsman S Prabhu followed him soon after. It was a sorrowful end for Kadir Patel and Karan Joshi, the latter being a surprise eviction so early in the programme. Another disappointment was Amiteshwar Singh, who was eliminated early as well. Piyush Negi soon followed his roommate, S Prabhu.

Finally, it all came down to four contestants—Mohammad Abbas, Samandeep Singh, Dinesh Salunke and, in a slight surprise, Sukhvir Singh. It was not that Sukhvir had performed badly, but his back injury had prevented him from performing at his best.

As the field narrowed further, Dinesh Salunke and Samandeep were asked to leave the stage. Kapil Dev was visibly upset and he said that he would take their cricketing career forward with whatever help he could provide. Even Dinesh looked shocked that the country was not behind him.

Sanjay Manjrekar was more realistic. He said that once the public had a role, accepting shocks was mandatory. Robin Singh, though, extended an invite to the spinners to attend his spin foundation.

Now the contest was between Abbas, Sukhvir and Samandeep. Abbas did not have any relatives present at the show because he wanted to make it to the Indian team first. After Samandeep was voted out, Sukhvir ‘Happy’ Singh said he had faith in the public, whom he believed would back him. And they did.

The favourite Abbas was left behind in the race to become India’s first Cricket Star and Sukhvir, whose dwindling performance had given others hope, was moved to tears on being declared the winner.