Fun Fact- 'When Azhar was born in 1994, legendary Indian skipper Mohammad Azharuddin was captaining India in New Zealand'. The young 'Azharuddeen-in-the-making', is a wicketkeeper-batsman and has already gathered a reputation as a free-flowing stroke maker a quality exactly what the legendary player possessed. The youngster got the call-up to the senior Kerala team in a jiffy with his tremendous performance in the CK Nayudu Trophy.
Apart from the name, Azharuddeen has some traits and quality of his namesake even in batting, as what his coach at the Kerala Cricket Association's College Academy, Bijumon N believes in. 'He is also wristy like Azharuddin and can play the big strokes. He can play well under pressure and score big hundreds like the 181 against Saurashtra last season,'
Here's a fun excerpt of him as Fast&Up gets candid with Kerala's own Mohammad Azharuddeen!
• When and where were you born?
1994, Kasaragod, Kerala
• What is your earliest memory connected with sports?
I have 7 elder brothers, so watching and playing cricket with them as a kid is a vivid memory
• Who was the most influential person to you as a child?
Sachin Tendulkar
• Did you have any nicknames?
Azhar junior and Ajju
• What were you most afraid of as a child?
I have always had an aversion towards water, I still do have it.
• Do you recall any interesting stories related to you by any of your elder relatives that you have never forgotten and you think are worth telling to this audience?
My eldest brother was a big fan of former cricketer and Indian team captain Mohammed Azharuddeen and he insisted my parents to name me after him instead of the name Ajmal chosen by them.
• What was your favorite subject in school?
English
• How did you balanced Sports and Studies?
I was a student of Kerala Cricket Academy and it was attached to my school and my coach and warden made sure we attend sports practice and school regularly
• What did you like most about school?
My hostel days where I made some friends for life.
• What did you like least about school?
I was never inclined towards studies and especially homework
• What sort of after school/out of school clubs did you attend? (in terms of sports)
KCA academy
• Was there someone you really looked up to when you were a teenager? (in terms of sports)
My then coach, Mr. Bijumon sir. He continues to be my mentor till today.
• What was your favorite music/band in high school?
Nil
• Did you ever thought of doing a 9 to 5 job?
No
• What would be your ideal job if you ever had to do?
Working with people in my hometown
• Describe about your sporting career
I started playing at age of 11 for my district and joined KCA academy at the age of 15. By 17 I represented the state and debuted for Ranji at 21. Since then, I have represented Kerala in Ranji for 5 consecutive years and won the best wicket keeper from Kerala cricket Association for 3 years consecutively.
• Your best day in life (In terms of sports)
2015 November 15th, my Ranji debut
• What is your definition of happiness?
Spending time with family and friends
• What is your most memorable Sporting experience?
First century
• What accomplishment are you most proud of?
Put my family in a better place after achieving in cricket
• How do you want people to remember you?
As an international player
• Whose biggest fan are you? (in your sport and outside)
Virat Kohli
• What do you like to do in your spare time?
Read books, play with my nephews, spending time with my friends
• If you could possess one super-human power, what would it be?
To time travel
• What is your greatest hope?
To represent the country
• What are the main lessons you've learned in life?
To think calmly and to forgive others and myself for the mistakes done.
Sports and Fitness
Shaista is passionate about anything related to sports and fitness. She has worked with many athletes and has in-depth knowledge about their training and nutrition. She is very particular about the... Read More
