Vidarbha's Aman Sharma breaks into Services' Ranji squad

NAGPUR: Over the years, Vidarbha have lost many talented players to other states and sides like Railways. The latest in the list is Aman Sharma. The 21-year-old left-hander, who joined Services earlier this year, has been selected in their Ranji squad.
"I have worked very hard for this. It was a professional decision to leave Vidarbha, though I would have loved to play in Ranji Trophy for my home state.However, I am happy I made it to the Services squad as the competition is very tough here. I am thankful to my coach Sanjeev Malhotra for trusting my abilities," Aman told TOI on Wednesday.
Aman has always been regarded as a talented player right from his Under-15 days. He performed very well for Vidarbha U-15 and U-16 sides. Aman also scored more than 600 runs in the Cooch Behar Trophy three years ago. Late Vijay Telang always spoke highly about Aman, though he had described him as "a work in progress".
"I wasn't sure about being selected in the team. When I was selected in Services set-up, I didn't want to let that opportunity go. In the last few months, I have worked very hard to get selected. I can't wait for the Ranji Trophy. If I get the opportunity, I will definitely prove my worth. Whatever I am today is because of Vidarbha Cricket Association. I got good facilities and guidance throughout my career and that's why I could perform in BCCI tournaments," he said.
His brother Arun too was a talented strokeplayer. In fact, he was the first player from the region to score a double hundred in a one-day match. "It helped me a lot. I want to thank him for all the support. I also want to thank my parents Chandrakant and Anita Sharma, Kailash Sharma Sir, my coaches at all level and my Club Ruby Sporting Club for the support they have given me over the years," he said.
Aman did well in the Inter-Services matches and scored a brilliant hundred in the semifinal against Army that paved the way for his selection. His Services coach Malhotra feels Aman has a bright future and if he keeps working hard and stays focused, he has the talent to make it big. "Though he is yet to play first class cricket, I feel he has the potential to play at the highest level. He needs to keep working hard. He is one of the best talents I have seen in the recent past," Malhotra, an ex-Services cricketer, said.
Once ex-junior selector Chandrakant Pandit also termed Aman a potential match-winner after he saw him in one of the U-25 matches. There's never any doubt about Aman's talent, it's all about having the right attitude. If he does that, he certainly has a bright future.