From Driving Auto-Rickshaw To Winning Irani Cup: Meet Indian Cricket's Rising Star Juned Khan

Juned Khan's story is a heartwarming tale of resilience and determination. The young fast bowler, hailing from Kannauj in Uttar Pradesh, made his first-class cricket debut for Mumbai in the prestigious Irani Cup 2024, and his rise to the top is nothing short of remarkable.

Born into humble beginnings, Juned's journey to becoming a cricketer was never straightforward. He moved to Mumbai in his teens, not with dreams of cricket but to support his family. Forced to work, Juned initially took up a job in a garment factory and later drove an auto-rickshaw, despite being underage. Cricket, at that point, seemed like a distant dream.

The Turning Point: Sanjeevani Cricket Academy

Fate intervened when Juned discovered the Sanjeevani Cricket Academy, run by former Mumbai wicketkeeper Manish Bangera. Despite his limited experience with leather-ball cricket, Juned's raw talent caught Bangera’s eye. He encouraged the youngster to continue honing his skills, and thus began Juned’s journey toward becoming a professional cricketer.

However, it wasn’t smooth sailing. Juned faced severe financial constraints and could not afford basic cricket gear like spikes. Despite the challenges, he received support from well-wishers and mentors, which kept him going. Playing in local tournaments around Mumbai allowed him to develop his craft further.

Spotted by Abhishek Nayar

A major breakthrough came when Juned was spotted by former Indian cricketer Abhishek Nayar while playing in the Police Shield Tournament for PJ Hindu Gymkhana. Nayar, impressed by his bowling, invited Juned to join the Kolkata Knight Riders as a net bowler during the last IPL season, an opportunity that provided him with invaluable experience.

Juned's consistent performances in tournaments like the Buchi Babu and KSCA impressed selectors, and he was picked to represent Mumbai in the Irani Cup—a dream debut that would soon follow.

Irani Cup Debut: A Dream Come True

On the eve of the Irani Cup final against Rest of India, Juned learned he would be making his debut. The excitement kept him awake all night, but it didn’t deter his focus on the big day. In a fairy-tale start to his first-class career, Juned made an immediate impact by claiming the prized wicket of Rest of India captain and star batter Ruturaj Gaikwad in his first spell.

Reflecting on the moment, Juned said, “I couldn’t sleep at all after I was told I’d be playing my first match for Mumbai. The wicket of Ruturaj was a bonus. Just wearing the Mumbai jersey felt like a dream.”

Mumbai went on to win the Irani Cup for the first time in 27 years, defeating Rest of India by 121 runs in a match dominated by the Ajinkya Rahane-led side. Juned's debut, alongside all-rounder Tanush Kotian’s century, was one of the highlights of the game, and Juned’s story captured the hearts of fans.

A Journey of Struggles and Triumph

Juned’s mother could not attend the match, but many of his friends and extended family from Kannauj, renowned as India’s perfume capital, were present to cheer him on. For them, it was not just a match but the culmination of years of hard work and sacrifice.

Juned’s rise from a young boy working odd jobs to support his family, to playing first-class cricket for Mumbai, is a testament to his grit. Despite having the chance to return to Uttar Pradesh, he remains loyal to Mumbai, the city that gave him his opportunity to shine. "Mumbai has given me everything and has made me what I am. I will never leave Mumbai," he says proudly.

Sharing a cramped room with five other friends who work odd jobs, Juned’s life is still far from glamorous, but his future looks bright. If he continues his journey with the same passion and determination, there’s no doubt that Juned Khan will go on to achieve even greater heights. And in the years to come, fans will not only chant his name in Uttar Pradesh but across India wherever he plays.

Mumbai to be Felicitated for Irani Cup Victory

Mumbai's Irani Cup triumph after a 27-year hiatus has earned the team a grand felicitation by the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) at the Wankhede Stadium. Ajinkya Rahane and his team, including Juned, will be celebrated for their stellar performances, with Juned’s debut story standing out as a symbol of Mumbai’s cricketing legacy.

As Juned’s fairytale continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the boy who once drove an auto-rickshaw to make ends meet has made his mark in Indian cricket, and his journey has only just begun.