In a nostalgia-filled subplot of the Asia Cup 2025, Vinayak Shukla, who parted ways with Indian cricket in 2021, will confront his boyhood friend Kuldeep Yadav when India host Oman in the last Group A fixture. Having seen Shubman Gill oppose Simranjeet Singh in the earlier contest in the tournament, cricket fans are expecting to see another one of these oldboys’ meetings on the pitch.
India vs Oman, Asia Cup 2025: What’s Vinayak Shukla’s Journey?
Vinayak Shukla’s path has not been an easy one. Raised and born in Uttar Pradesh, Shukla found it impossible to make a breakthrough into the highly sought-after Indian cricket structure. “It was a very hard choice,” he said at leaving Indian cricket behind for Oman. “I went in November 2021 to follow my ambitions. I am now a Data Operator with National Metal Cans, but cricket is something that I love.”
Before moving abroad, Shukla honed his skills across local clubs in Kanpur and other cities. He later played in Bengal, facing international players like Ashok Dinda, Manoj Tiwari, and Ranji Trophy stars such as Mayank Agarwal and Mohammed Azharuddeen. He also trained with future Indian internationals like Shivam Mavi and Upendra Yadav.
India vs Oman, Asia Cup 2025: Who was Vinayak Shukla’s Idol?
A wicket-keeper batsman, Shukla is inspired by MS Dhoni. “My role model as a wicketkeeper-batsman has always been Mahendra Singh Dhoni – the manner in which he finishes the game and the way he captains the team is beyond comparison. I hope I will get to meet him one day,” he stated.
Shukla also shared some of his early playing days with Kuldeep Yadav. “I used to play with Kuldeep bhai in Kanpur. He was playing for Rovers Club and I played for PSE. I recall hitting him for a four once, and he said, ‘Oh, pretty good shot!’ It is a nice memory I will always keep,” he added.
India vs Oman, Asia Cup 2025: A Special Occasion for Shukla on Facing India
Playing for Oman against India is a dream come true for Shukla. “Playing against India is special. I can’t ask for anything more. To play against batsmen like Jasprit Bumrah, Suryakumar Yadav, Kuldeep, and Shubman Gill is huge for me and the Oman side,” he stated.
Kuldeep Yadav, player of the match in both Indian games at the Asia Cup to date, will surely be one of the major challenge for Shukla. However, the sentimental value of playing against an old buddy makes the match special for both players.
