Surat: By morning, Parshuram Desale is stationed at a roadside biryani kiosk in Parvat Patiya, earning around Rs 500 a day to keep his household running. By evening, once duty gives way to desire, his world shifts to cricket — a game he has refused to abandon despite daunting odds.A week ago, this grit found its best expression when Desale hammered 152 runs off just 66 balls against Sri Lanka in the T20 International Wheelchair Cricket Tournament, Umang Cup 2025, in Bhopal on Dec 10. Desala slammed 31 boundaries and registered a staggering strike rate of 230.India’s wheelchair cricket team (WCT) completed a clean sweep in the three-match T20 series against Sri Lanka. Serving as vice-captain, Desale stood tall as the tournament’s standout performer, winning the Man of the Series and Best Batsman of the Series awards, in addition to being named Man of the Match in two games. He also made vital contributions with the ball, picking up six wickets across the three matches.The 41-year-old plays cricket in a wheelchair, while at work he depends on crutches. Despite persistent financial hardship and physical challenges, Desale has continued to excel, regularly scoring centuries. “Desale is among the finest all-rounders in international wheelchair cricket. There are very few tournaments where he does not score a century,” said Manish Sharma, coach of the Indian WCT.In wheelchair cricket, boundary dimensions are shorter, extending up to 54 m from the centre of the pitch, compared to 64 m to 82 m in conventional cricket. The pitch itself is also nearly four m shorter than the standard 20-m pitch used in regular cricket.Recalling his childhood, Desale told TOI, “I used to crawl in the streets while playing cricket after I became handicapped due to polio at the age of four. Growing up, I did not give up playing and continued with crutches, and able-bodied friends supported me.”In search of opportunities, he was advised to take up wheelchair cricket. “Due to my financial condition, I had no option, but then Dhansukh Patel came forward for coaching and provided a ground, kit to play, and support for transport as well,” Desale added.“Desale’s dedication is inspirational for other Divyang cricketers. There is no strong support system for Divyang sportspersons, so I try my best to ensure they get opportunities according to their talent,” said Patel, a cricket coach.Desale’s parents — Devidas, a watchman, and Ramabai — continue to encourage him. His wife Kaveri, son Devendra, and daughter Bhavya take immense pride in his achievements.
