Meet Saurabh Kumar, the new face in India’s Test squad

The Uttar Pradesh left-arm spinner quit the Air Force to pursue his ambition of playing professional cricket

Seven years back, the then 21-year-old Saurabh Kumar faced a common career dilemma --- pursue his passion or secure a safe future.

Employed with the Indian Air Force on sports quota, Saurabh was at the crossroads. He had a secure central government job with all the perks but his heart pushed him to play professional cricket and earn that coveted India jersey.

"There comes a moment in life when you have to take a decision. Jo bhi ho lena padhta hai," the 28-year-old orthodox left-arm spinner and newest entrant to the Indian Test squad told PTI.

"It was a tough decision to quit playing Ranji Trophy for the Services. I loved being an Indian Air Force man and part of Indian defence but there was a part of me that felt that I have it in me to work hard and play for India," the cricketer, who hails from UP's Baghpat District, said.

"I was posted in Delhi. I played for Services in the Ranji Trophy for one year (2014-15 season) when Rajat Palliwal was our captain.

"Since I was a sports quota entry, I didn't have to do any duty apart from play for Services. If I had quit cricket, then I would have had to do full-time duty," he recollected the old days.

Hailing from a middle-class family, his father worked as a JE (Junior Engineer) at All India Radio. His parents were firmly supportive of his decision to trade profession with passion.