Ever since Mumbai boy Ankeet Chavan started playing for Rajasthan Royals since 2011 and in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) too, his home, a one-storey structure, which is the proverbial stone's throw away from Shivaji Park became a landmark of sorts.
That is not surprising given the cricket-crazy corner that is Shivaji Park and the high visibility that the IPL brings, turning young cricketers into icons overnight.
TV news crew outside Ankeet Chavan’s house. Pic/Harit N Joshi
ADVERTISEMENT
Yet, since yesterday morning Chavan’s name figured in the spot fixing scandal, this house located between two well-known housing societies in Dilip Gupte Lane, has turned from an object of admiration to that of derision.
Young cricketers, most with Indian and IPL dreams as well as passersby, pointed at the home with disdain when this reporter asked where Chavan stayed.
The disgust was palpable in their dismissive actions and there were angry whispers as news television vans parked outside his home. Their local hero had fallen from grace and fallen hard.
If the mood outside was that of rage and disappointment, the family was too shattered to speak. “Everyone is quite disturbed. We are in shock. We don’t want to say anything. We know he is innocent,” said Ankeet’s brother, on the verge of tears. He spoke to MiD DAY from the door itself.
Marriage next month
Incidentally, Chavan is supposed to get married on June 2 with his long-time girlfriend. u00a0At the entrance of his house is a small temple of Lord Swami Samarth.
The signature line for this deity is in Marathi, “Bhiu nakos, mee tuza pathishi aahe” which means, ‘Do not be afraid, I am with you’. u00a0It is evident that Ankeet’s family will be hoping for divine help and support for the situation they are now in.u00a0
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
