Akshay Kisanrao Karnewar, the prominent cricketer from India, is known for his exceptional ambidextrous bowling skills. Born and raised in the Pandharkawda village in the Yavatmal district of Maharashtra, Karnewar’s journey to becoming a professional cricketer is an inspiring tale of talent and hard work.
At the young age of 13, Karnewar’s coach, Balu Navghare, noticed his unique ability to bat and throw left-handed despite being naturally right-handed. Recognizing this potential, Navghare encouraged Karnewar to take up left-arm spin seriously and hone his skills in that direction. With Navghare’s guidance and support, Karnewar started to develop his ambidextrous bowling technique.
Standing tall at almost six feet, Karnewar possesses a unique bowling action characterized by a flattish delivery and minimal spin. Despite not being a big turner of the ball, his accuracy and ability to deceive batsmen with subtle variations make him a valuable asset on the field.
In 2008, Karnewar grabbed the attention of talent scouts when he attended the Vidarbha Cricket Academy trials. It was during this time that he received the much-needed encouragement from former Mumbai wicketkeeper Sulakshan Kulkarni to participate in BCCI-organized tournaments.
Karnewar’s breakthrough moment arrived in December 2015 when he made his List-A debut for Vidarbha against Odisha in the prestigious Vijay Hazare Trophy. Despite being on the losing side, Karnewar showcased his versatility by scoring an impressive 72 runs and claiming two wickets. With his stellar performances, he emerged as Vidarbha’s leading wicket-taker in the tournament, securing 16 wickets from seven matches. In the subsequent Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 tournament, he continued to impress, taking seven wickets from nine games.
The Indian Premier League (IPL) recognized Karnewar’s potential and bought him for INR 10 lakh in the 2016 auction, where he joined the Royal Challengers Bangalore team. This lucrative opportunity allowed him to showcase his ambidextrous skills on the big stage and further cemented his position as a rising star in Indian cricket.
Off the field, Karnewar’s dedication and perseverance have earned him the respect of his peers and mentors. His relentless pursuit of excellence has helped him overcome obstacles and thrive in the competitive world of cricket. Apart from his bowling prowess, Karnewar is also recognized for his handy batting skills, proving his versatility as a true all-rounder.
As one delves into the statistics and records, it becomes evident that Karnewar’s journey is marked by consistent growth and success. However, it is not his achievements alone that define him, but also his commitment to the sport and the unwavering passion he displays every time he steps onto the field.
Akshay Kisanrao Karnewar’s story is a testament to the power of determination and the extraordinary talent that can emerge from even the most humble of beginnings. With his ambidextrous abilities and unwavering dedication, Karnewar continues to make a mark in Indian cricket, leaving a lasting impression on the minds of fans and fellow players alike.
