When 19-year-old Mohammed Enaan walked out to bat with India A struggling at 100/6, few could have predicted the stunning turnaround that would follow. What unfolded at Bengaluru's COE ground on Sunday was nothing short of spectacular - a batting masterclass that announced the arrival of a serious talent in Indian cricket.
The Innings That Changed Everything
The pitch in Bengaluru was proving extremely challenging for batsmen, testing their technique and temperament with every delivery. Yet Enaan, hailing from Mundur in Thrissur district, stood firm amidst the chaos, displaying composure beyond his years.
What followed was an exhibition of calculated aggression and sheer brilliance. Enaan remained not out on 105 runs from just 74 deliveries, but the most remarkable aspect was his final-over explosion where he smashed 28 runs to not only reach his century but also propel India A to a competitive total of 269 against India B.
"My aim was to bat till the end because I knew that if I stayed till the end, runs would come," Enaan revealed to TOI after his match-winning performance that secured India A's spot in the tri-series final.
The Making of a Cricketing Prodigy
Enaan's journey to this breakthrough moment has been years in the making. Raised in Dubai where his father Shahnavas Moidutty worked, he spent his early years playing cricket with cousins and friends before his family returned to Kerala when he was 11.
It was at the Athreya Cricket Academy under coach Dinesh Gopalakrishnan that his potential truly began to flourish. "That was my first big break," Enaan recalls about his selection for Kerala's U14 trials.
The COVID-19 lockdown period proved transformative for the young cricketer. "I always knew I could do more with the bat," Enaan says, while his coach Gopalakrishnan notes, "During lockdown, we worked specifically on his power hitting. That is now a crucial part of his game."
More Than Just a Batsman
Enaan's talents extend well beyond his batting prowess. He's also a competent leg-spinner who, according to his coach, "gets a beautiful drift, has a deceptive googly with a quick arm action." Though Gopalakrishnan describes him as "neither in the classical mould, nor a mystery spinner," it's little surprise that Afghanistan's Rashid Khan serves as his idol.
His all-round capabilities were on full display last year when he emerged as the highest wicket-taker for India's U19 team against Australia, claiming an impressive 22 wickets across 2 ODIs and 2 Tests in October. "That series gave me confidence," the teenager asserts.
With such remarkable performances, it's no wonder that IPL franchises have taken notice. Rajasthan Royals invited him as a net bowler last season under Sanju Samson's leadership, while Punjab Kings selected him for trials this year. Even former India batting coach Sanjay Bangar has been captivated by his all-round brilliance.
As coach Gopalakrishnan proudly states, "He has the X-factor."
Looking ahead, Enaan has set his sights on representing India at the U19 World Cup in Zimbabwe and Namibia next year, with the IPL dream firmly within reach. "I want to represent India at the U19 World Cup next year," Enaan declares. "And if I get the chance, I'd love to play in the IPL. For now, I'm focused on the tri-series final."
For Indian cricket fans and scouts alike, Mohammed Enaan represents the exciting future of the sport - a talented all-rounder with the temperament and skills to make it big on the international stage.
