HUBBALLI: From a small-town boy with big dreams to a multifaceted cricketer and coach, Sunil Joshi’s journey came full circle on Tuesday when he returned to his roots.
The 55-year-old former India all-rounder was felicitated with a pavilion named after him at the KSCA Rajnagar Stadium here — a tribute to a legacy that inspired generations of cricketers from north Karnataka.
Joshi tried to mask his emotions, but tears flowed freely as memories spanning more than four decades came rushing back. As a youngster, he would wake up before the crack of dawn and travel nearly 60 kms from his hometown of Gadag to train on this very ground.
Years later, he made his
Ranji Trophy debut here and has since returned in various roles, including as a coach.
As BCCI president
Mithun Manhas unveiled the pavilion block in his name, Joshi — accompanied by his wife Dr Ravneet — spoke about the emotional significance of the occasion.
“Gadag gave me birth, Hubballi gave me cricket and character,” he said.
Later, speaking to TOI, Joshi reflected on the moment.
“It gives me immense pleasure to receive this honour, especially since it comes at a place where I started my journey. To see my name on the pavilion block means a lot to my family and me,” he said.
Recalling his debut at the venue, the current spin coach at the BCCI Centre of Excellence shared one of his earliest defining memories.
“My Ranji Trophy debut was here against Hyderabad in 1992. I remained unbeaten on 86 and carried valuable lessons from that match. On 40, we were eight wickets down when
Venkatesh Prasad joined me in the middle. He told me, ‘Take your time. I know you will be anxious to get your maiden half-century, but getting a hundred is more important here. ’”
Joshi said he hopes the honour will inspire young cricketers to dream big, particularly those from smaller towns.
“I come from the mofussil, and if my name on the stand can inspire even one young cricketer over the next five days or in the coming years, then it will have true meaning,” said the former India left-arm spinner.
Joshi also thanked the Karnataka State Cricket Association office-bearers and the managing committee — many of whom are former teammates — for the recognition.
“I’m very grateful to the KSCA president and my dear friend Venkatesh Prasad and his team for the honour. My wife, Ravneet, being here was special because she has played such a huge role in my journey. I wouldn’t have come this far without her unconditional support,” he added.
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