24-year-old Pratap Rana worked as a plumber but now he will represent Odisha in Ranji Trophy

Cuttack: Hailing from a remote village in Nayagarh, 24-year-old Prashant Rana, until a few years ago, was working as a plumber. But now he is all set to represent the senior Odisha cricket team in the Ranji Trophy.

Rana’s extraordinary journey of grit and determination has captured the imagination of many. Odisha have been grouped with heavyweights Mumbai, Saurashtra and Goa in the Ranji Trophy and will play their games in Ahmedabad starting with Saurashtra on February 17.

Rana, in order to pursue his lifelong dream of playing cricket professionally, would toil hard as a plumber during the first half of the day before picking up his cricket gear for rigorous practice in the afternoon. Rana’s father, Sanatan, is a farmer who also worked as a priest in his village’s temple while his brother earned a living by selling vegitables.

After completing his matriculation in his native Nayagarh, Rana decided to pursue an undergraduate degree. But halfway through his studies, in 2011, he decided to go to Cuttack to pursue his dream of becoming a cricketer.

With just Rs 2,000 in his pocket, Rana began his cricket practice in Cuttack. However, after four months, his father was diagnosed with tuberculosis. His father’s medical costs kept soaring which meant the family could not send Rana anything for sustenance.

He was told to return to Nayagarh but Rana decided to search for a job in order to stay on track of becoming a cricketer.

“I was so passionate about cricket that after appearing in the Class X Board examination in the morning, I would play matches in the afternoon in my village. When my family was unable to send me the money, I thought I won’t make monetary issues an obstacle in pursuing my career, so I thought of taking any job for survival so that I can continue with my passion,” Rana said, speaking to India Today.

“I would like to thank my coach Wasim Jaffer Sir for helping me realise my potential and giving me a chance; I would also like to thank OCA (Odisha Cricket Association) Secretary and other members for standing behind me,” he added.

In 2012, he began work as a fire safety officer in a private company in Bhubaneswar. He was promised a monthly salary of Rs 14,000 which was enough for him to rent accommodation and continue his practice. But he had to leave after 20 days as the work hours prevented him from practicing in the afternoon. He then joined as a plumber in Cuttack. His daily allowance was Rs 210 and duty hours were extended only till 4 PM. It still did not give him time to reach the grounds on time. So he made an adjustment.

He told his employer to let him work half-day and pay Rs 100. Rana although satisfied with his new work-play schedule, did not inform his family that he was working in Cuttack as a plumber, fearing that they would ask him to return to Nayagarh and try for a government job.

After finishing his duties by 1 PM, a quick lunch followed before cycling for nearly 30-40 km to reach the practice. Two years later in 2014, Rana purchased a bike from his meager earnings so as to conserve both time and energy.

A promising fast bowler, Rana made it to the senior Odisha team without representing the state in any youth level.

“I don’t remember anyone in Odisha making it directly to the senior cricket team without playing in Under-19 or Under-23 tournaments. That makes him unique. With his height, nippy bowling action and ability to slog, I am sure he will go far,” said Pradeep Chauhan, coach of Union Sporting in Cuttack where Rana has been training since 2012.

“He has worked hard on his swing and pace, he makes the ball rise sharply after pitching it, Chauhan added.

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