From Navi Mumbai Nets to Asia Cup Spotlight: The Rise of Abhigyan Kundu

Ray Sportz Web Desk: The Indian Under-19 team may have faced a decisive defeat against Pakistan in the final of the Under-19 Asia Cup held in the UAE, but the tournament brought to light a young cricketer whose performances stood tall amid disappointment. Wicketkeeper-batsman Abhigyan Kundu emerged as one of the most promising talents of the competition, earning widespread praise from cricket pundits for his sound technique, composure, and maturity at the crease.
Alongside captains Ayush Mhatre and Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Abhigyan’s batting attracted consistent attention throughout the tournament. His century against Malaysia was a standout knock, reflecting his technical proficiency and ability to build an innings with patience and control. Known for his calm demeanour, Abhigyan has already developed a reputation as a difficult batsman for opposition bowlers, as reflected in his impressive scorecards.
Hailing from Navi Mumbai, Abhigyan’s journey to the Indian age-group setup is both unique and inspiring. Coming from a non-cricketing background, his rise has been powered by discipline and an unconventional yet highly intensive practice regime. His first major breakthrough came during an Under-16 summer camp, where a century caught the attention of selectors and secured him a place in the Mumbai Under-16 team.
He continued his upward trajectory in the prestigious Vijay Merchant Trophy, where he scored two centuries and a fifty, performances that played a crucial role in his selection for the Under-19 side. His consistent run-scoring also earned him opportunities with the D.Y. Patil Group, where he featured in Division and Times Shield tournaments. Recognising his potential, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) later sent him to the National Cricket Academy (NCA), a move that further refined his skills and confidence.
Abhigyan’s dedication to the game is evident in his extraordinary work ethic. Having practised on Mumbai grounds for nearly 12 years, he has reportedly bowled over 50 lakh deliveries during training sessions. With participation in around 722 matches at club and state levels and an astonishing 125 centuries to his name, his achievements have earned him recognition in the Indian Book of Records.
His coach, Chetan of the Navi Mumbai Academy, credits this success to relentless practice. “Abhigyan practises nearly 5,000 deliveries every day. He focuses extensively on pull and hook shots and works on playing shots from long-off to square leg,” he said. Cricket observers have already drawn comparisons between Abhigyan’s strokeplay and that of former India captain Sourav Ganguly, particularly his command over timing and placement.
Coaches from the Under-16 summer camp also speak highly of his technique. “His weight transfer is excellent, and his timing on the ball is remarkable. His use of the crease and shot selection are rare qualities that greatly benefit a middle-order batsman,” one coach noted.
With his blend of technical solidity, mental calmness, and relentless hard work, Abhigyan Kundu’s rise from the nets of Navi Mumbai to the international youth stage signals the arrival of a cricketer with the potential to shape India’s future batting line-up.