From Kanpur to Oman: Vinayak Shukla — Data operator, idolises 'guru' MS Dhoni, and Kuldeep Yadav’s childhood friend

NEW DELHI: ‘Garda uda denge’ [We will create chaos] were the first words Vinayak Shukla said when asked about his preparation for the Asia Cup. Coming into the tournament, the wicketkeeper from Kanpur has come a long way since leaving his home in 2021 to chase his cricketing dreams. He knew he would have to take the hard yards and rise above the sea of talent in Uttar Pradesh to make it to the big stage. He tried his best, but when opportunities dried up, he made a life-changing decision — to move to Oman.

There, he kept at it for years, and in 2024, Shukla finally made his debut for the Oman national team. Since Oman is not a cricket-dedicated nation and plays only a handful of series in a calendar year, the players often need daily jobs to make ends meet.

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Shukla works as a Data Operator.

For over a year, he has been juggling work and cricket — office during the day and practice at night. With hard work and a bit of luck, he fulfilled his long-standing dream when he finally wore the national jersey in 2024.

Batting at No. 6 on debut, Shukla smashed an unbeaten 40 against Qatar to take his team to a 35-run win. But even then, he told captain Jatinder Singh: “Paaji, Asia Cup khelna hai.” A year later, Oman qualified for the continental tournament.

Placed alongside India, Pakistan and United Arab Emirates cricket team in Group A, Oman have lost both their matches so far — against Pakistan and UAE — and have been knocked out. Yet, Shukla is elated that he will get to play his last group match against India and reunite with his childhood friends Rinku Singh and Kuldeep Yadav.

India, having already secured a place in the Super Four, will face Oman on Friday at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

“It was a very difficult decision. I left Indian cricket in November 2021 and moved to Oman to pursue my dreams. I work as a Data Operator at National Metal Cans. Back in Kanpur, I started playing at local clubs like the PAC Cricket Ground, and then moved around different cities. But the problem was, I just wasn’t getting the opportunity to represent the state,” he said.

"In Bengal, I played against several international players like Ashok Dinda and Manoj Tiwari — they really guided me, especially with wicketkeeping. I also met Dinesh Karthik during Kolkata Knight Riders sessions in Kolkata. Many Ranji Trophy players like Mayank Agarwal and Mohammed Azharuddeen (from Kerala) have played against us. Earlier in Uttar Pradesh, I trained with Upendra Yadav and Shivam Mavi, and later in Bengal with players like Ranjot Singh Khera and Karan Lal,” he said.

“I spoke to some seniors, and then went to one of my coaches, Prakash Palande sir. He gave me an opportunity to go to Muscat. He told me I’d have to stay there for around two years, and if I performed well, I could get a chance to represent the country after about three years. As a wicketkeeper-batsman [batter], my inspiration has always been Mahendra Singh Dhoni — the way he finishes games and leads the team is unmatched. He is my guru. I never met him but want to meet him,” Shukla said.

“I’ve played with Kuldeep Yadav back in India, so I hope we’ll meet soon. It’s a great opportunity for me and my team to play against sides like Pakistan and India. We grew up watching these players on TV all the time. I’m pretty nervous, but excited as well. I remember playing matches with Kuldeep bhai in Kanpur. He was with Rovers Club and I played for PSE. We had many friendly games together. Once he bowled to me and I hit him for four, and he said, ‘Oh, pretty good shot!’ There are some fond memories, and I’ll always cherish those,” he said.

“Playing against India is going to be very special. I was playing in India once, and now I’m playing for Oman — I can’t ask for more. Facing players like Jasprit Bumrah, Suryakumar Yadav, Kuldeep and Shubman Gill is huge — for the Oman national cricket team as well as for me. I’m especially looking forward to meeting Kuldeep personally,” Shukla said.

BUSTING THE PAN MASALA MYTH OF KANPUR

Vinayak Shukla has played 8 ODIs and 10 T20Is for Oman. (Image credit: Special arrangement)

When people mention Kanpur, the common image that comes to mind is of people chewing paan masala (betel nut with tobacco) and spitting around. But Shukla — who has represented Oman national cricket team in 8 ODIs and 10 T20Is — says there’s much more to his hometown than that.

“That’s not the only thing about Kanpur. It has many beautiful places. The memes only focus on pan masala, but that’s not the truth. Everyone should visit and explore the city,” he said.

“Paan masala ke alawa bhi bahut kuch famous hai Kanpur mein [There's a lot more to Kanpur than pan masala]," he said with a laugh, before continuing, "Chaat, Imarti, Badnaam Kulfi, and Thaggu ke Laddu are among the city’s most famous treats.”

“I miss spending evenings with friends after practice, having tea, and bonding — that kind of warmth is hard to find in Oman,” Shukla said.
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