Dedication and hard work is the key to achieving success! This classy proverb is well proven by Odisha youth Prashant Rana, who recently has made his place in the State team representing at the Ranji Trophy.
From working as a plumber for several years, Rana's Ranji journey was not easy. Hailing from Nayagarh district, he overcame several hurdles before his years of hard work and dedication finally paid off.
"He used to wear torn clothes and go to school, but instead he played cricket in the playground. Several times I dragged him from the field and thrashed him for such activities. I used to advise him to study so that he could share an earning hand with family," recounts Sanatan Rana, Prashant's father on his son's struggle-full childhood.
Though Rana had a passion for playing cricket since his early days, his family's financial condition didn't allow him to do so. When the situation worsened, Rana had to work as a plumber by giving up his dream of becoming a cricketer.
But still then, he cherished his passion for playing cricket and would often love to get down with the bat and ball whenever situation permitted.
"I am happy that the Almighty blessed him and he got the opportunity to represent the State for which I earlier used to disagree with him. Now, he has become the pride of our district and we are extremely happy for this," said Prashant's father.
Rana was born on July 5, 1998, to Lakhmi Rana and Sanatan in Madhavpur village of the district. Born to a poor family, Rana grew up in a thatched house. His father worked as a priest at a nearby temple in the village while his mother was a homemaker.
After finishing his matriculation from village high school, Rana enrolled at a local college. But soon, his father was diagnosed with tuberculosis and he had to leave his studies in the midway. In 2012, he left his home in a fit a rage and came to Cuttack in search of work.
One of his friends introduced Rana to a plumber in the Silver City where he started plumbing everyday from daybreak to afternoon.
But as it is said, talent never loses its sheen even when hidden, the Union Sporting Cricket Club in the city identified Rana's potential and offered him a chance, wherein, he began his dream journey in cricket.
On his journey, Rana said, "I used to practice bowling at Union Sporting Club under the mentorship of Pradeep Chauhan. He always backed me in worst situations and morally boosted me saying that I would get the results of all my hard work one day."
Rana came into notice during Odisha Cricket Association (OCA)'s Vision 24 talent search tournament. Coach Wasim Jafer suggested his name after seeing Rana's bowling performance during the Ranji camp.
"We can identify a player having real zeal and future prospects and also pinpoint those who play the game to pass time. We identified Rana's dedication and aims and decided to give high efforts so that he could realise his dream," said Pradeep Chauhan, said Rana's mentor.
"The talent search tournament Vision 24 in which we found Prashant is the initial step. Like him, there are several hidden talents across the State. In this tournament, we brought several players from different districts and organised interclub matches which helped to bring them on track," said Sanjay Behera, Secretary, OCA.
Rana has now boarded the flight to Ahmedabad along with his teammates from Odisha to take part in the Ranji season 2022.