Mumbai Throwdown Specialist Earns High Praise from West Indies Coach
Abhishek Jain was relaxing at his rented chawl residence in Dahisar, near Borivali in Mumbai, when his phone buzzed with an unexpected call. On the other end was an official from the Mumbai Cricket Association with a straightforward question: "Would you like to bowl to the West Indies team?"
Without a moment's hesitation, Abhishek responded, "Yes, sir, I am ready." The official instructed him to arrive the next morning at 8 AM for the training session.
Journey to Wankhede Stadium
Abhishek Jain, one of Mumbai's most recognized side-arm throwdown specialists, has previously bowled to some of Indian cricket's biggest names including KL Rahul, Irfan Pathan, and the legendary Sachin Tendulkar. The opportunity to train the West Indies squad left him thrilled with anticipation.
The following morning, he boarded a local train from Borivali to Churchgate and made his way to the iconic Wankhede Stadium, where the West Indies team was preparing for practice. Carrying his gloves and sidearm thrower in a bag, Abhishek arrived fully prepared for the session.
Impressive Performance Catches Coach's Attention
West Indies head coach Darren Sammy indicated the specific area where he wanted deliveries directed. Abhishek nodded in acknowledgment and began his work. The first batter to face him was Sherfane Rutherford.
The very first delivery fired in with remarkable pace and beat Rutherford completely. Sammy burst into laughter, visibly impressed by what he had witnessed. Approaching Abhishek, the coach exclaimed, "Brilliant man! How can you bowl without any warm-up?"
Abhishek simply smiled and continued with the session. "Each West Indies player batted for 15–20 minutes. Most of my deliveries landed with pinpoint accuracy — almost perfectly. Sammy sir was genuinely pleased, and everything was proceeding exactly according to his plans," Abhishek revealed in an exclusive interview.
Training Multiple West Indies Stars
"Rutherford batted quite well. Among all the players, Shimron Hetmyer hit the most big shots, but I managed to beat him multiple times during our session," Abhishek explained. "I also managed to beat Rutherford on several occasions. Shai Hope, Rovman Powell, Roston Chase, and Shamar Joseph all participated in the batting practice as well."
He described the experience as "unbelievable" and particularly memorable. At the conclusion of the session, Sammy approached him once more, this time giving him a warm hug and patting his back in clear appreciation of his efforts.
Securing a Regular Spot
"Sammy sir was extremely happy with my performance," Abhishek shared. "He called one of the team managers and instructed them, 'Call this boy daily.' He asked them to include me in the roster for all upcoming practice sessions leading to their matches."
Highlighting his remarkable stamina and developed skill, Abhishek added: "Within fifteen minutes, I can bowl the equivalent of 10 overs continuously. This capability has developed through extensive experience over time. I have learned how to increase my delivery speed and bowl according to each batter's specific requirements."
Following Coach's Instructions
"Every West Indies batter followed Sammy sir's instructions precisely," Abhishek noted. "The coach asked them to target specific areas with varying speeds, and I bowled accordingly to facilitate their practice. West Indies batters are serious power hitters — they strike the ball with tremendous force. I continued training them in preparation for their upcoming matches."
KL Rahul — The Favourite Cricketer
Whenever Indian cricketer KL Rahul is in Mumbai, he messages Abhishek specifically for throwdown sessions. "KL Rahul sir is my absolute favourite," Abhishek expressed with admiration. "He is a wonderful human being who has helped me tremendously. My family went through a significant financial crisis, and during those difficult times, KL Rahul sir stood by me and provided crucial support."
"He is not only an exceptionally talented cricketer but also an amazing person. I have also had the privilege of bowling to Irfan Pathan sir and the legendary Sachin Tendulkar sir," he added.
Personal Responsibilities and Dedication
Abhishek lives with his younger brother in their chawl residence in Dahisar. His brother is currently pursuing a law degree, with all educational expenses being covered by Abhishek's earnings as a throwdown specialist.
"My parents reside in Madhya Pradesh," Abhishek explained. "I live here in Mumbai and take full responsibility for my brother and his education. I also send money regularly to support my parents. Paying rent, supporting my parents financially, and managing my brother's education — all of these responsibilities rest on my shoulders."
Despite these challenges, Abhishek continues to excel in his specialized field, earning recognition from international cricket teams and coaches while supporting his family through his unique cricketing skills.
