Navodaya Vidyalaya samita (NVS) is the board of all Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya schools across India and it has divided India into eight regions. J & K comes under Navodaya Vidyalaya samita (NVS) Chandigarh region. Every year in Una, Himachal, all JNV school cricket teams of NVS Chandigarh region including JNV, Budgam assemble and form NVS, Chandigarh region team to compete against other seven regions of India in another tournament. During this tournament NVS selects the best players from all eight regions for State Games Federation of India (SGFI) tournament. SGFI tournament is the pinnacle of school cricket level in India where school cricket teams from across the country battle each other every year to win the coveted cup. In 2009 Javaid Lone, a 12-year-old seventh standard student began his life in a boarding school in JNV, Budgam. Last year (2012) after getting impressed with his cricketing talent, his school sent him for regional team trials in Una, Himachal for the first time and he got selected for NVS, Chandigarh region team that later played against other seven regions of NVS. The tournament consisting of eight regional teams was played in Assam where he got selected for the NVS team for SGFI tournament. But in 2012 he was not able to take part in the tournament because of certain family issues. In 2013, the right-hand opening batsman and a wicket-keeping prodigy was once more sent for regional team trials in Una, Himachal for the second time and he again made it to the prestigious SGFI tournament scheduled to be held in Chandigarh in January 2014. Later this month he is scheduled to leave for a training camp in Himachal to prepare for the tournament.
The Kashmir Scenario’s Nadeem Shah and Is’haq Bhat caught up with the upcoming cricketing sensation to talk about his life, cricket and future goals.
When did you start playing cricket?
I exactly don’t remember when I started playing cricket but I have a vague idea of playing in the local cricket field with my friends when I was a kid. I was very fond of cricket since my childhood and till the fifth standard I used to spend more time playing cricket than on my studies. I have skipped school a number of times for cricket and this became the sole reason I was ousted from my home (laughs). I was sent to a boarding school.
Who is your favourite cricketer and why?
I have huge respect for all the cricketers. They work hard and earn their place through determination and perseverance. But for all these years there were no one other than Master Blaster Sachin Tendulkar to inspire me. I must say he is the father of cricket. He is not only a great batsman; he is also a wonderful sportsman. I have never seen him engage in controversies. I try and emulate him. He is a technically sound player. And I like his straight drive the most.
Which is your most memorable game in your career?
It came against U.P in Assam where I scored an unbeaten 75 runs. I could have scored a ton but it was a 15 over game However, in the tournament I played 4 games and scored 166 runs.
Which was the toughest team you played against?
I have played against a lot of teams but I found the South Indian teams really tough. They fight till the end; they have a never-say-die attitude which I really appreciate.
What is the response from your family and how supportive have they been?
As I already said my parents sent me to a boarding school just to keep me away from cricket. But now that I have achieved something the mood has changed. They really encourage me to work hard and make a name for myself in cricket. Also Parvez Rasool’s success worked in my favour. Now parents feel that their wards can pursue a career in cricket.
Of all the three formats of cricket viz., Test, One Day and Twenty-Twenty, which is your favourite? Why?
So far I have been playing all the formats. And even there is 15 over format in school cricket, I enjoyed all these formats equally. But I dream to play big innings and test cricket provides you all
opportunities to play that sort of a game and improve techniques and show you calibre. But if you have to make a name for yourself in the cricket world, you have to master all the three formats.
Have you met any prominent cricketer of India?
Many state level cricketers do visit SGFI tournament and advice the players. But I haven’t met any prominent player as such.
How do you train by yourself?
Since, I am in a boarding school I don’t get much time for practice but during tournaments I practice as much as I can and we regularly wake up at 5am every day for some basic exercise which helps me to remain fit. And after I qualified SGFI tournament last year, my school authorities provide me some extra time for practice after class work.
What is the best compliment you have ever received?
My friends say I play like Sachin. Since he is my ideal, I consider it to be the best compliment.
Besides cricket, which games do you play?
I play badminton to improve my hand and eye coordination. Besides I also play football.
You are also a Wicket-keeper. Who is the best wicket keeper in the present time according to you?
Currently Mahinder Singh Dhoni is by far the best wicket keeper batsman in world cricket.
What is more difficult wicket-keeping or Batting?
Wicket-keeping, of course. You have to be alert all the time behind the stumps. You don’t get a breather and you can’t miss any chances. A wicket keeper has the most difficult job in cricket.
Share your experience of staying in a boarding school?
It is not easy to live there. Earlier it was difficult to adjust but eventually I became used to it. There are times when you feel like running away but then there are times when you also enjoy your stay. Living without your mother feels like hell. But whatever happens happens for the good and because of boarding school I was able to reach to SGFI team and I am really happy now.
Your thoughts on Pervez Rasool…
I have watched him play at Sher e Kashmir ground and I really liked him. He is a great player and an inspiration for thousands of Kashmiris. He is very down to earth and that is the most amazing thing about him. I hope he gets a chance to don the blue jersey of Indian team.
Your future plans?
I will continue my cricket with the same passion and zeal because I feel without cricket I am incomplete.
I dream to achieve higher levels in the cricket world. After completing my boarding school I would love to serve state team. And there after my luck and hard work will decide my future.