Priyam Garg is an Indian cricketer from Meerut, Uttar Pradesh. He was named as the captain of India’s Under-19 cricket team which will be competing in the 2020 Under-19 Cricket World Cup.
Wiki/Biography
Priyam Garg was born on Thursday, 30 November 2000 (age 19 years; as in 2019) in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh. His zodiac sign is Sagittarius. His full name is Priyam Kumar Garg. He did not attend school as he wanted to pursue a career in cricket. His mother had passed away when he was only 11 years old. He belongs to a financially weak family, and he wanted to quit cricket and take up a job to support his family after his mother’s death. However, his father motivated him to continue his training and play cricket.
Priyam Garg during his younger days
Physical Appearance
Height (approx.): 5′ 9″
Eye Colour: Black
Hair Colour: Black
Family
Priyam’s father, Naresh Garg is a driver in the Department of Health and Social Care. His mother, Kusum Devi had passed away in 2011 when Priyam was 11 years old. His elder brother, Shivam Garg is a pharmacist, and he has another brother. He has three elder sisters- Pooja, Jyoti, and Reshu.
Priyam Garg’s father Naresh Garg (centre) and his siblings
Cricket
Priyam started playing cricket when he was 6 years old. His father could not make ends meet, but as Priyam was very good at cricket, his father approached the coach of the “Victoria Park” cricket ground in Meerut, and he requested him to watch Priyam play. The coach, Sanjay Rastogi saw him play, and he instantly knew that Priyam was a skilled batsman, and he agreed to train Priyam for free. The cricket ground was 40 km away from his house, and he used to take the bus every day with one of his siblings to attend cricket training. In 2018, he got selected in the Uttar Pradesh cricket team to represent the state. He made his debut in the “Vijay Hazare Trophy.” A month later, when he was playing in the Ranji Trophy, he scored his first century against Goa.
Priyam Garg playing for Uttar Pradesh
In 2018, after seeing his performances all year, he was being considered for India’s U-19 team by the selectors, but eventually, his form dropped. The selectors decided to give him time to regain his confidence and form. While playing for Uttar Pradesh, he got the chance to meet many Indian cricketers as guest coaches. He particularly remembers his interaction with Suresh Raina. He said that Raina gave him some good tips, and he also learnt a lot of things from him. In an interview, he said-
I learnt a lot from him, he was a model of discipline in how to carry yourself. I learnt a lot watching him. He made me confident, Raina bhai spoke of his growing-up days and how that time, there was a senior-junior divide, and how juniors didn’t speak much. He encouraged me and all others to speak freely. That was a good gesture”
Priyam Garg with Suresh Raina
Priyam idolizes Sachin Tendulkar, and he wants to meet him someday and take tips from him. Once, in an interview, he said-
Whatever I am today is because of Sachin Tendulkar. Had I not seen him play, I wouldn’t have come this far. I grew up watching him. Before every game, I think of Sachin. That gives me the courage and strength to score runs. Even when I used to play with the tennis ball in local tournaments, I always tried to copy Sachin Paa ji’s strokes. My dream is to meet Sachin Tendulkar and take tips from him and wear the blue colours of team India one day”
On 2 December, BCCI named him as the captain of India’s Under-19 team for the 2020 Under-19 Cricket World Cup in South Africa, and also as the captain for India’s tour of South Africa.
Priyam Garg named as captain of India’s U-19 team
In an interview, after he was named as the captain of India’s U-19 team, he said-
The World Cup will be a big opportunity. That’s the event where you are noticed, get everyone’s attention and I’d love to play a big innings there. It’s a balanced side. We have been playing together. This would help us in South Africa”
Facts/Trivia
- Priyam loves to play chess.
- He wanted to be a bowler, but his coaches advised him to pay attention to batting; as he was a very skilled batsman.
- When he was a kid, his family could not afford a TV. Hence, he used to watch cricket matches at a “paan shop” near his house.
- His father could not make ends meet and used to do odd jobs such as driving a school bus, selling milk, loading goods into tucks, and delivering newspapers.
- He admires Rohit Sharma and Cheteshwar Pujara for their patience in the game. He also likes how they plan their shots.