Aditya Malhari Khade: The Bowler Who Practised by Tying a Ball to a Tree and Dreams of Following Hardik Pandya

At 17 and a half years old, Aditya Malhari Khade from Enkul village is currently studying in Class 12. A passionate cricketer since childhood, Aditya has now reached an important new stage in his journey after being selected for the Maharashtra Professional Cricket League (MPCL). His journey is a reminder that a lack of facilities does not have to limit a young athlete’s ambitions.

His Father Was His First Coach, and a Tree Became His First Practice Net

Aditya’s father is a cricket coach, and he was the first person to teach him the fundamentals of batting and bowling. In the early days, there was no proper ground available for regular practice. So Aditya and his friends found their own way to train — they would tie a cricket ball to a tree and practise. What began as a simple arrangement gradually turned into a serious cricketing journey. Eventually, Aditya got opportunities to play on proper grounds, and that was when his cricket began to develop further. His family always encouraged him with one simple message: keep practising and keep improving. His school also supported his ambitions and encouraged him to continue his training alongside his studies. There were challenges along the way, but with time and persistence, Aditya managed to overcome them one by one.

He Was on the Ground When the MPCL Selection Call Arrived

Aditya sees MPCL as an important platform that gives emerging and professional players an opportunity to showcase their talent. The moment he received the call informing him about his selection, he was actually on the cricket ground, practising. For a few moments, he simply could not believe the news. He sat quietly and took in the significance of the moment. Following his selection, Aditya increased the intensity of his training. He began dedicating around two to three hours a day to practice, working on both batting and bowling. He also pays close attention to other bowlers during training sessions, observing their techniques and trying to understand what he can incorporate into his own game.

Bowling Is His Greatest Strength

Although Aditya considers himself an all-rounder, bowling remains his strongest area. His favourite cricketer is Hardik Pandya, and Aditya is particularly inspired by his style of play and all-round ability. Aditya maintains a balanced training routine, working on both batting and bowling. He generally spends around two hours practising each day. When playing in important competitions, he tries to remain calm and composed. For him, controlling the pressure is an important part of performing well on the field.

His First Failure Taught Him an Important Lesson

One of the most difficult moments in Aditya’s cricket journey came during his very first match. He was unable to perform as well as he had hoped compared to the other players, and the experience affected him deeply. After the match, he asked his father a simple question: “Why do I fail when I play?” His father’s answer was equally simple: “Practise.” Those few words stayed with Aditya. Since then, practice and focus have become two of the strongest foundations of his game. Instead of allowing failure to discourage him, he has learned to use it as a reason to work harder.

A Big Dream — From MPCL to the Indian Team

Aditya now has his sights set on a much bigger future. He dreams of using the MPCL platform to progress towards the Indian Premier League (IPL) and, ultimately, earn the opportunity to represent the Indian cricket team. According to Aditya, leagues like MPCL are particularly important because they can provide opportunities to talented young players from ordinary and financially modest backgrounds who may otherwise struggle to find the right platform. That is why he believes such competitions can make a real difference in the lives of aspiring cricketers. His message to young players is simple: “Never stop practising. Keep working hard, and success will come.”

From a Ball Tied to a Tree to a Professional Cricket League

Aditya’s cricket journey began in a simple way — with a cricket ball tied to a tree. Today, that same determination has taken him to a professional platform like the Maharashtra Professional Cricket League. Behind his progress are his father’s guidance, his school’s support and, most importantly, his own persistence. Aditya Malhari Khade is now taking another step towards his dream of playing at the highest level. His journey from an improvised practice setup in his village to a professional cricket league is a story of determination, patience and the willingness to keep improving. For many young cricketers from rural India, Aditya’s journey carries a simple but powerful message: You do not need perfect facilities to begin. You need the determination to keep practising until your opportunity arrives.