It's a familiar stage for 18-year-old Mohammad Asaduddin . The Eden Gardens in Kolkata was former Indian skipper Mohammed Azharuddin's happiest hunting ground. And today, his son is turning out for the trials of Kolkata Knight Riders, eager to make his mark in the game that took father to super-stardom.
Asaduddin says, "Dad has always been my coach. He gives me tips and all whenever I need it. Whenever I need batting tips from him, he is always there for me. I actually don't feel any pressure. I just have to go on the pitch and play my natural game."
But though his father played a big role in shaping his cricketing skills, there's one major difference. Azhar junior is left-handed and likes to hit the ball really hard.
"I am playing T20 for the first time, but I am very confident because I am an attacking batsman. This format of the game really suits me," says he.
Asaduddin hasn't yet played first class cricket, but he has been making waves in club cricket in Hyderabad. This year he has scored four half centuries in six games.
"He's a young player and has still got a lot to learn, but his attitude was good out there and that gives him a good chance. Obviously he is of reasonable pedigree so if he is willing to learn and improve, who knows where he can go," says Kolkata Knight Riders' coach, John Buchanan.
Azharuddin was one of Indian cricket's most romantic stories. From humble beginnings, he reached the top and then ended in disgrace. For Asaduddin growing out of his famous father's shadow would be the real test.
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