Introduction

The Legendary Mothers Behind Legendary Indian Cricketers

Cricket is a sport that has grabbed the hearts and minds of millions of Indians. It is not only a game, but a way of life, a source of pride, and a symbol of solidarity. Many Indian cricketers have risen to fame and glory on the world arena, but behind their success, there are frequently unsung heroes who have supported them throughout their path. These are their mothers, who have given them the love, care, and encouragement they needed to follow their ambitions.

In this post, we will look at some of the famous mothers who have raised and inspired some of the finest cricketers in India. These women have not only given birth to their sons and daughters, but also to their hopes and ambitions. They have stood by them through thick and thin, cheered them on every step of the way, and made them who they are today.

Here are some of the stories of the supermoms behind the superstars:

1.Leela Raj: The Mother of Mithali Raj

Mithali Raj is the captain of the Indian women’s cricket team and one of the best batswomen of all time. She holds multiple global records, including the best individual score in women’s Test cricket (214), the most runs in women’s ODI cricket (7,098), and the most consecutive fifties in women’s ODI cricket (7). She is also the only woman cricketer to play more than 200 ODIs.

But none of this would have been possible without the support and encouragement of her mother, Leela Raj. Leela was a manager at an optical products chain before she resigned her job to take care of her family.

She made tremendous sacrifices to assist Mithali follow her passion for cricket. She enrolled her in a cricket academy when she was only 10 years old, despite enduring financial hardships and social censure.

She disregarded the criticisms and inquiries of individuals who asked why she would allow her daughter play a male-dominated sport. She trusted in her daughter’s skill and potential, and never let her give up on her aspirations.

Leela was Mithali’s biggest fan and critic. She would stay awake all night to listen to her matches on the radio, and would give her feedback and advise after every game. She would also cook her favorite dishes and pamper her everytime she got back home. She was Mithali’s pillar of strength and motivation.

Mithali has always acknowledged her mother’s contribution in her achievement. She has added, “She has devoted a lot of her time. She has worked very hard to see to it that I had food on time. I’m the kind of a child that wants her mother around even now, so she took a back seat and opted to become a housewife.”²

2.Saroj Kohli: The Mother of Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli is the captain of the Indian men’s cricket team and one of the top batsmen in the world. He has scored more over 22,000 runs across all versions of the game, with 70 international centuries. He is also one of the most aggressive and passionate players on the pitch, who never shies away from expressing his emotions.

But underneath his fierce nature lurks a gentle heart that beats for his mother, Saroj Kohli. Saroj was a homemaker who reared Virat and his two siblings with love and care.

She supported Virat’s passion for cricket from a young age, and urged him to follow his father’s dream. Virat’s father, Prem Kohli, was a lawyer who wanted his son to become a cricketer. He enrolled him in a cricket academy when he was eight years old, despite having financial hardships at home.

Saroj endured a great loss when Virat’s father went away owing to a heart arrest when Virat was only 18 years old. He was playing a Ranji Trophy match at that time, and had to return to the field the next day after conducting his father’s dying rites. Saroj provided him the courage and strength to do so, telling him that his father would be proud of him if he played well.

Saroj has been Virat’s consistent source of inspiration and support ever since. She has always been there for him in his highs and lows, cheering him on from the stands or from home. She has also welcomed his wife, actress Anushka Sharma, into their family with open arms.

Virat has always shown his gratitude and affection for his mum. He has said, “She is my biggest supporter in life; she is my backbone.”³ He has also dedicated numerous of his triumphs to her, notably his maiden Test double century against West Indies in 2016.

3.Rajni Tendulkar: The Mother of Sachin Tendulkar

Sachin Tendulkar is largely recognized as one of the greatest batsmen of all time. He holds the record for the most runs and centuries in both Test and ODI cricket, with 15,921 and 18,426 runs, and 51 and 49 centuries respectively. He is also the only player to score 100 international centuries, and the first to score a double century in an ODI. He is renowned as the “Master Blaster” and the “God of Cricket” by his followers.

But behind his legendary position is his mother, Rajni Tendulkar, who has been his guiding light and his biggest blessing. Rajni was a working woman who operated a life insurance company. She was also a devout Hindu who followed a strict vegetarian diet and conducted fasts on certain occasions. She taught in Sachin the principles of discipline, humility, and faith.

Rajni was Sachin’s first coach and mentor. She introduced him to cricket when he was a child, by gifting him a bat on his seventh birthday. She also persuaded him to join a cricket club when he was 11 years old, and supported him throughout his career. She would pray for his success and well-being before every match, and would watch him play on television with pleasure and joy.

Sachin has always been appreciative and respectful to his mum. He has added, “My mum has been the biggest impact in my life. She has always been there for me.”⁴ He has also recognized her by attributing many of his milestones to her, including his 100th international century, which he scored on March 16, 2012, coinciding with her birthday.

4.Devaki Dhoni: The Mother of MS Dhoni

MS Dhoni is one of the most successful captains and wicketkeepers in the history of cricket. He has guided India to victory in all the major ICC competitions, including the 2007 World T20, the 2011 World Cup, and the 2013 Champions Trophy. He has also amassed more over 17,000 runs across all versions of the game, with 16 centuries and 108 fifties. He is recognized for his calm and cool temperament, his imaginative and unique style of play, and his ability to finish matches with his famous helicopter shot.

But beneath his cool and confident image is his mother, Devaki Dhoni, who has been his rock and his anchor. Devaki was a homemaker who lived in Ranchi, Jharkhand, where MS Dhoni was born and reared. She was a simple and humble woman who cared for her family and their needs. She supported MS Dhoni’s enthusiasm for cricket from a young age, despite facing financial hardships and social pressure.

Devaki was MS Dhoni’s biggest admirer and well-wisher. She would stay up all night to listen to his matches on the radio, and would give him blessings and counsel after every game. She would also cook his favorite dishes and pamper him whenever he came back home. She was MS Dhoni’s source of comfort and happiness.

MS Dhoni has always valued and adored his mother. He has said, “She is my everything. She is my strength.” He has also paid honor to her by naming his daughter Ziva Dhoni after her maiden name Ziva Devi.

5.Satinder Kaur: The Mother of Harmanpreet Kaur

Harmanpreet Kaur is the captain of the Indian women’s T20 cricket squad and one of the most explosive batswomen in the world. She holds the record for the best individual score by an Indian woman cricketer in T20Is (103), as well as the greatest individual score by an Indian woman cricketer in a World Cup match (171*). She is also the first Indian woman cricketer to play in foreign T20 tournaments, such as the Women’s Big Bash League in Australia and the Kia Super League in England.

But behind her incredible achievements is her mother, Satinder Kaur, who has been her inspiration and her support system. Satinder was a housewife who lived in Moga, Punjab, where Harmanpreet Kaur was born and nurtured. She was a brave and bold woman who endured many hurdles and tribulations to enable Harmanpreet Kaur follow her goal of playing cricket. She enrolled her in a cricket academy when she was 14 years old, despite suffering objections from her relatives and neighbors. She also arranged for her travel, equipment, and coaching fees.

Satinder was Harmanpreet Kaur’s biggest fan and motivator. She would watch all her matches on television or online, and would root for her enthusiastically. She would also give her feedback.