When the Cricket Association for the Blind in India announced the squad for the IBSA World Games 2023 in England, Nareshbhai Tumda’s name stood out as the fifth player selected for the 17-member team.

The 32-year-old was a member of the playing 11 in the Indian team that lifted the Blind World Cup in 2018, chasing down a challenging target of 308 runs set by Pakistan in Sharjah. He has once again been chosen to represent the country and help bring home the cup.

Tumda was chosen based on the selection trials held in Bangalore. Anyone would assume that between the 2018 World Cup and the upcoming International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA) Games, the all-rounder focused on honing his skills to qualify for the selections. However, Tumda was too busy struggling for survival, taking on various jobs to make ends meet. He sold vegetables at the Jamalpur market and even worked as a casual construction labourer before turning to small-time farming in his hometown of Vansda in Navsari.

“I eat dal-chawal, can’t afford supplements,” Nareshbhai Tumda told the Times of India. “I am delighted to be selected in the Indian squad for the IBSA World Games in Birmingham between August 18 and 23. I will do my best to bring the cup home.”

Reflecting on his journey between the world championships, Tumda shared that he currently works on a small farm. “I tried my hand at masonry work and selling vegetables, but these endeavours did not generate enough income to ensure a decent livelihood. I now toil on a small piece of land I own,” he said.

Regarding his cricket practice, Tumda explained that he dedicates two to three hours daily to physical exercises to stay fit. Regarding nutrition, Tumda says, “I mainly have dal-chawal (lentils and rice). I cannot afford additional supplements or specialized sports nutrition.”

He added, “I face challenges in practising cricket as I cannot train alone in the nets. I have to travel 10-12 km with the assistance of someone who helps me with batting and fielding practice.”

Tumda’s story highlights the difficulties he and other blind cricketers face due to the absence of a monthly income or annual contracts.

Even the news of his selection went viral after Anant Patel, the Congress MLA from Vansda, sponsored his cricket kit. Tumda still needs woollen clothes to cope with the English weather. Patel emphasized the need for immediate support from the government to ensure his well-being. “I have raised this issue in the assembly, seeking permanent financial assistance for him. The government should provide him with a stable job to sustain himself. After all, he contributed to winning the World Cup,” said Patel.

The Times of India had earlier reported about Bhalaji Damor – the 46-year-old blind cricket all-rounder from the Aravalli district who had taken India to the semis in 1998. One of India’s top wicket-takers, his career record was impressive with 125 matches, 3,125 runs and 150 wickets.

The completely blind cricketer, who played eight international matches, was also feted by President K R Narayanan in New Delhi. Bhalaji was awarded Man of the Series in the First Cricket World Cup for the Blind, but the all-rounder ended up tending to buffaloes and doing odd farm jobs for a living.

“When I go to play in local tournaments, my wife complains that I spend an entire fortnight’s earnings on just travelling and food. Hence, I stopped going,” Bhalaji had told the Times of India.

Bhushan Punani, general secretary of BPA, said, “It is time that blind cricketers also get recognition as sportsmen by national and international bodies and get support.”