Former South African cricketer Jonty Rhodes, known for his acrobatic fielding, praised a 14-year ball boy Aayush Zimre who took a one-handed catch while sitting near the boundary in the first ODI between India and New Zealand on Sunday.
“Even the ball boys in Mumbai are brilliant catchers #whatacatch,” tweeted Rhodes after witnessing the ball boy’s catch.
Even the ball boys in Mumbai are brilliant catchers #whatacatch
— Jonty Rhodes (@JontyRhodes8) October 22, 2017
It was in the 25th over of the Indian innings when Kiwi bowler Adam Milne put up a short length delivery, which Virat Kohli sent flying for a six.
That is when the boy displayed amazing agility and took a single-handed catch, garnering applause from the crowd.
WoW, Amazing Catch by this young ball boy👏 Hard work never goes waste. He’s surely well trained👍 & #IND future is bright🏏 #INDvNZ pic.twitter.com/5ZP4sCEXkE
— Vishesh Khanna (@imvisheshkhanna) October 22, 2017
Ayush is a budding cricketer and is one of the probables of the Under 16 Mumbai team. He is a left-arm spinner and a middle order batsman. He represented Mumbai in an Under 14 tournament last year and claimed 19 wickets.
As Aayush took a stunning catch beyond the ropes, he received a compliment from none other but the Indian skipper Virat Kohli himself. He said, “His (Virat Kohli) was the best compliment for me.”
Later, the young boy was also appreciated by New Zealand players Colin Munro, Tom Bruce and also by a member of supporting staff.
Aayush’s father Nishigandh was extremely happy and proud of his son and was quoted as saying, “During his last match as a ball boy, only three to four balls came his way. I appreciate the fact that he kept his cricketing basics in mind and took this catch which was out of reach.”
