Meerut: There was a quiet buzz at 306, Multan Nagar on Thursday. The family and friends were preparing a grand welcome for Praveen Kumar, returning from a historic victory Down Under.
As people decorate the little gully outside his house amidst a steady flow of well-wishers, inside the house his mother is busy preparing kheer and laddoos — some of Praveen's favourite sweets.
With six wickets in the two finals, 21-year-old Praveen emerged from cricketing obscurity to super-stardom in the space of a week. And he is already a hero in his home town of Meerut
"Chhote bache ke jaise hai woh. Jis tarah se parivar ke chotte bacche ka hota hai, ashirwaad denge parivar ke bade bade log. Baki normal wohi chalenge -- khana pina hai. Agle char-paas dino ka toh -- pehle woh rest kar le, jis tarike se comfort hota hai, woh wo kaam kare (He's like the little boy of the family. When he comes home, first the elders will bless him and then the food and fun will follow. First of all, we will want him to rest for a few days the way he finds it comfortable)," Praveen's brother Vinay Kumar says.
It's not just good wishes, marriage proposals too are pouring in for the cricketer who wants to focus on his game in the next few years.
"Mantri ka beti ka rishta aaya tha... par usne abhi mana kar diya hai, woh khel pe dhyaan dena chahta hai, (There was a marriage proposal from a minister's daughter. But he has rejected it for now. He wants to focus on his game)," Praveen's mother Murthi Devi reveals.
Praveen's proud coach also paid a visit to his household on Thursday. Vipin Vats discovered Praveen's talent in a chance match when he was only 12. He believes his disciple is not a one-match wonder.
"Is match mein bowling itni achhi thi, aage sab uski bowling se hoshiyar rahenge (He bowled so well in this series... everyone will watch out for him the next time he plays)," coach Vipin Vats feels.
Praveen is already inspiring his little nephew and other kids in the neighborhood to take up cricket seriously.
Praveen was the same age as little Harshit when he first began playing cricket. Whatever maybe Praveen's future, one thing is certain. The future generation of cricketers will come from mohallas like the one Praveen came from and from smaller towns across India.
Among visitors to Praveen's house on Thursday were local politicians and the Commissioner of Meerut, who is literally paving the way for future talent.
"Inke ghar ke saamne main road par cement ka road banega (It's a matter of pride for us. We will construct a cement road on the approach to his home)," Meerut Commissioner Devendra Chaudhary announced.
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