Diwali comes early for Wagh's parents

Pune Warriors may have had an off day against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium on Wednesday, but Shrikant Wagh's parents had a field day.

Shrikant's father Bhaskar, mother Kamal and younger brother Sujit, who had came all the way from Buldhana (350kms from Nagpur), were over the moon to see their son bowl to the likes of Sachin Tendulkar. His uncle Vasant, who lives in Mira Road, was also present.

Shrikant took the wicket of opening batsman James Franklin in his first over. He conceded just nine runs in his two overs.

Though they were happy to see their son perform on their new LCD TV screen at home, Shrikant was keen that his parents watch him from the stands. And even they succumbed to the temptation after Shrikant became an overnight star, thanks to his game-changing bowling (3-16) in Pune's opening match against Kings XI Punjab on April 10. On Wednesday too he didn't bowl too badly (1-9).

"It was one of the best moments of our life. Hamare gaon main toh jaise Diwali thi (It was like Diwali in our village). Everyone was happy for Shrikant. That's when we decided to come to watch him play," Wagh Sr, an employee of Maharsahtra State Transport said.

Like all parents, they now wish their son's cricketing career goes the distance. "We are happy that he is playing in the IPL, but my son's dream is to play for India," concluded Kamal.