Unmukt Chand, who led India to victory at the Under-19 cricket World Cup, met his teachers at his former school here and sought their blessings for future triumphs.
Before he could even meet the principal, the news of his visit Monday spread like wildfire at Modern School, Barakhamba Road, and the entire corridor was invaded by autograph hunters from all classes.
Down to earth, Unmukt's first port of all at his alma mater was the staff rooms where he made it a point to touch the feet of teachers.
"This victory wouldn't have been possible had my teachers not blessed and prayed!" he said, according to a statement from Firoz Bakht Ahmed, the school's English teacher.
"All my teachers cooperated with me while I was away playing for the state or the country," he added.
Principal Lata Vaidyanathan "encouraged Unmukt in all walks of life including attendance problems, supporting him for his training and getting him academic help when he missed his classes", the statement said.
Unmukt was all praise for Naveen Chopra, the school coach, and said it was he who got him into limelight.
Encouragement also came "from Firoz Bakht Sir", who was also the mentor of Indian team Gautam Gambhir, Unmukt said.
He also specifically mentioned teachers Bina Ramanujam, Malini Khatri and Cimren Kher, the statement said
Asked if he would step into Gautam Gambhir's shoes, he said he was in no hurry to be a part of the Indian cricket team as his first priority was to tour New Zealand.
IANS
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