Prenay Kewalpersad (25) is an exceptional batsman, but this was not how it all began.

Prenay first encountered cricket in his final year of primary school. Back then he was a rather good bowler, but Prenay realised his true love was batting. In grade 7, cricket was offered as a school sport. The lad had taken part and began enjoying it and was hooked ever since.

ALSO READ: Munir Muhammad dominates on the cricket pitch

“Cricket was foreign to me before that, but in high school my then cricket coach invited me to join a team he coached for on the Umtshezi Cricket Association,” Prenay explained.

He also made the cut twice for the KwaZulu-Natal Inland Cricket selections, Under 15 then again for Under 19.
Prenay is a talented and driven player, but unfortunately along the way, with the hustle and bustle of life, he had given up on his dream to pursue the sport as a career.

“I wanted to go all the way to the top with cricket but unfortunately due to work, I could not follow through. To some extent I do regret that choice, looking back my skill could have been developed and I may have had the opportunity to tour the world,” he reminisced.

The lad was fortunate enough to come closer than many to this dream. He played cricket in India in 2009 and 2010 for two weeks. With India considered the ‘holy land’ of cricket, this is one of many memories Prenay has etched in his heart.

“I played a night league in Pietermaritzburg and my coach who was from England recognised my talent and invited me to play in India. I was fortunate and honoured to touch base in India; the heart of cricket. We played daily leagues there. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity which presented itself twice,” he said with a chuckle.

In 2010 he joined local cricket team, Aster.

“Team Aster is also known as the ‘Aster family’. I did not know everyone when I joined but over time we have become family and it’s more than just playing cricket together,” shared Prenay.

Due to him being unable to live his cricket dream, he finds the time to help others who share his love for the game.
In his spare time, one could find him training from home or coaching his niece and nephews who have also taken interest in the sport.

The batting all-rounder scooped the 50 over league batsman, Aster player of the season, T20 night league best batsman, and the T20 day league best batsman among various other awards during past cricket season awards ceremony held.

SEE MORE: Umtshezi Cricket Association rewards players

“The recognition does urge me to better my game and I am constantly pushing myself to do better,” he told.
Cricket for Prenay is a hobby, helps keep him fit and clears his mind while he tries by all means to conserve cricket.

NOW READ: Ambitious cricketer aims high

Click to receive news links via WhatsApp. Or for the latest news, visit our webpage or follow us on Facebook and Twitter