A food delivery boy, working at Swiggy, Lokesh Kumar was going about his usual routine on Monday. Little did he know that he would soon join the Netherlands cricket team as a valuable support staff member. He has been chosen as one of the net bowlers for the Dutch team as they gear up for the upcoming ICC Men’s World Cup 2023.
The 29-year-old has been actively involved in the food delivery industry since 2018. However, on a fateful Tuesday, he received an unexpected opportunity. The Dutch cricket team had called for net bowlers via social media, and the pacer turned spinner, who has a knack for bowling chinaman deliveries, was selected.
It’s worth noting that his selection followed a meticulous evaluation process by the Netherlands management, who reviewed video submissions from approximately 10,000 bowlers in India through a mobile application.
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One of the most precious moments of my career: Lokesh
Lokesh was overwhelmed with a torrent of emotions he couldn’t contain. Gratitude rose within him, and he couldn’t help but express his profound appreciation to the Dutch cricket team management.
“This is one of the most precious moments of my career. I am yet to even play in the TNCA third-division league. I played in the fifth division for four years, and I have registered for fourth-division outfit Indian Oil (RO) S&RC for the ongoing season. After being picked by the Netherlands as a net bowler, I feel that my talent has finally been recognized,” Lokesh told TOI.
The spinner was grateful for the opportunity and deeply touched by the warm reception and the treatment he received from the Netherlands cricket team. He shared his feelings of contentment and joy about becoming a part of this new cricketing family.
“The Netherlands team members welcomed me with open arms; there was an induction ceremony for the net bowlers before the beginning of the session. The players told us: ‘Feel free, this is your team’. I already feel that I am part of the Dutch family,” the Chennai-born cricketer added.
