Breaking into the power-packed Karnataka batting line-up is no easy task. If the chance does present itself, it is imperative to grab it with both hands.
Kaunain Abbas has lived up to the challenge. The batsman was handed his first-class debut earlier this season, and has gone on to score four fifties in the six matches he has played so far.
In his maiden outing, against a strong Jharkhand side, Abbas recorded a fifty in each innings. “Firstly, it felt great to be part of a side which has many international players. Before I went in to bat against Jharkhand, (captain) Vinay Kumar and (head coach) J. Arunkumar told me to enjoy myself and bat without any pressure. This brought the best out of me,” Abbas said.
The 26-year-old recalled that he was once beset with self-doubt. Once he began to believe in himself, his cricket career turned a corner.“Around three years ago, I thought of myself as just another average cricketer, who could not achieve anything great. This line of thinking needed to change," he said.
The change came about when Abbas met Ian Faria, a leadership coach, at a seminar. “Ian Faria said that every person on this earth is born to win. That made me feel like I too have it in me to achieve big things.
He also said that each person has a unique DNA. Even twins have different DNA structures. This made me feel that I am special. I think about his words all the time, and it keeps me motivated,” Abbas said.
Armed with these life lessons, the Jain University alumni went about his business on the cricket field with renewed enthusiasm. “I saw a huge difference in my batting. In the past, getting out for low scores would affect me a lot. I used to go out to bat with negative thoughts.
All that changed when I changed my mindset. Once you start believing in yourself, failures and other people’s opinions do not bother you. I transformed into a confident and positive person, and I started making big runs,” he said.
Abbas, who represents Bangalore Occasionals in the KSCA League, is thankful to his Alma Mater, Jain University. “Right from the very start, Jain University has stood by me. They took care of everything - attendance, special examinations and scholarship.
"I also owe a lot to(former Karnataka under-25 player) S.N. Ameet, who has been of great support. To be successful, you need to have good people around you," the MBA graduate said.
Comments
SHARE