Cricket dreams are rarely simple. For Oman leg-spinner Samay Shrivastava, the journey from Bhopal to Oman has been full of twists, turns, sacrifices, and unforgettable moments. Though he couldn’t make it big for India due to limited opportunities, Samay is now set to face his homeland on the cricket field—an experience he calls both proud and bittersweet.
In an exclusive interaction, Samay shared his excitement about playing against India and how much he misses the presence of former superstars Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who retired from T20 cricket after India’s World Cup win last year.
Proud to Represent Oman, Emotional to Play Against India
Samay’s story resonates with every aspiring cricketer who dreams of representing their nation but faces roadblocks along the way. After playing for Madhya Pradesh’s age-group teams, he couldn’t break into the senior ranks. With perseverance and support from his coach and friends, he relocated to Oman in 2019 and began a new chapter.
“Every cricketer dreams of playing for his country. I also dreamt of playing for India. But some circumstances didn’t allow me to do that. Playing against India is a proud moment for me. I am playing against a country where I didn’t get a chance to play. I can play there and give my performance. Secondly, it will be fun,” Samay said with a smile.
Missing Legends: Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli
Despite playing at the highest level for Oman, Samay admits that it would have been even more special to share the field with India’s batting legends.
“Since the day we landed here, it has been said that it would have been more fun if Virat and Rohit were in this team,” Samay said while speaking to ANI. His admiration for the two stars is clear, calling them icons who defined an era of Indian cricket.
Though they’re no longer part of the T20 squad, Samay cherishes the opportunity to face current stars like Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya, and Jasprit Bumrah. “Meeting them is a different thing. But playing on the same ground is a different feeling,” he added.
A Fanboy Moment Amidst Intense Competition
For Samay, this isn’t just about cricket. It’s about celebrating the spirit of the sport and fulfilling a long-standing dream.
“The match is going to be watched by the whole world. This is a big thing for Oman cricket. This is the first time we are playing against India and Pakistan. These are two of the best teams in the world. Playing against them and performing against them will be a big thing for us. Whatever the level of the match is, you will learn a lot from this match,” he said.
From Bhopal to Oman: A Journey of Hope and Hard Work
Samay’s journey began in Bhopal, where he played domestic cricket but didn’t get the exposure needed to reach the international stage.
“I am from Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh. I have played cricket for Bhopal and Madhya Pradesh. I have played for the age group. But there were no proper chances. So, I switched to Oman in 2019. The person who brought me here is Ahmed Bhai Manju Bhai, who lives in Oman and is from Bhopal. My coach, Jyoti Prakash Tyagi, was his friend. He helped me connect with him. My journey started from Oman on September 9, 2019,” he recalled.
Since then, he’s embraced the challenges and is making the most of every opportunity.
Dreaming of the IPL
While playing for Oman is a dream come true, Samay hasn’t given up on his larger ambitions. He openly shares his IPL aspirations and his fandom.
“If the opportunity arises for me, I would join ‘Chase Master’ Virat at the drop of a hat. I am a die-hard fan of RCB. Virat is an idol there. So my first preference will be RCB. Second is the Mumbai Indians,” he revealed.
Why Samay’s Story Matters
Samay’s journey is a testament to resilience and passion. Though he couldn’t don the Indian jersey, he’s proud to represent Oman and is seizing every moment to prove his mettle. His story reflects how cricket transcends borders, connecting players and fans alike through shared dreams and sporting spirit.
As the Asia Cup brings India and Oman face-to-face for the first time, all eyes will be on Samay Shrivastava—the boy from Bhopal chasing his cricket dream halfway across the world.
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