Mohit Ulva’s decisive last-ball boundary against Pakistan’s U-19 side set off wild celebrations in the Indian camp and back home in Surendranagar. The allrounder’s rise owes much to his early coaching under Mahendrasinh Chauhan, the mentor who also guided India star Ravindra Jadeja during his formative years.
Ulva began training with Chauhan after his father, Mahesh Ulva, a Railway Protection Force officer posted in Jamnagar, noticed his son’s cricketing talent. “He trained under me for four to five years,” Chauhan told the Times of India. “At that time, you have no idea whether he is going to play for the country or not. But he maintained good fitness. He started off by bowling spin before I told him to bowl pace. He trained well, maintained discipline, never complained when I made him do the extra yards and the result is there to see.”
The family moved to Rajkot following Mahesh’s transfer, and Mohit’s training shifted to the Railway Cricket Ground there. He continued honing his skills under coaches Firoz Bhambaniya and Pratik Mehta. Mahesh Ulva explained, “When I noticed him playing gully cricket, he played better than others. I took him to Mahendrasinhji, who instilled discipline in him and honed his skills. After shifting to Rajkot, his sustained training helped him excel in age-group cricket.”
Ulva’s composure under pressure was evident in the recent U-19 clash against Pakistan. The head coach of India’s U-19 team, Yere Goud, noted the player’s ability to remain calm despite scoring only singles off the first five balls of the final over. “He backed himself, anticipated the bowler’s line and length to smash that last-ball boundary,” Goud told the Times of India. “His abilities, to play anchor or to go for big hits, were known to us. He showed similar traits against the visiting Australian U-19 team. We just told him it was important to take the game deep. Pakistan were short on time. They had to bowl the part-time spinner in the last five overs.”
Following his recent performances, the Saurashtra Cricket Association has added Ulva to their Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy squad. His progression through the ranks from local cricket in Surendranagar and Rajkot to the national youth setup illustrates the impact of steady coaching and disciplined training.
Ulva’s early switch from spin to pace bowling under Chauhan’s guidance also reflects a tailored approach to his development. Chauhan’s role in shaping his fitness and work ethic mirrors the path taken by Jadeja, whose allround skills have made him a fixture in India’s international team.
The Railway Cricket Ground in Rajkot has become a significant stop in Ulva’s journey, where consistent practice under Bhambaniya and Mehta has supported his growth. Meanwhile, his father’s involvement in recognizing and nurturing his talent remains a constant through the ups and downs of a young cricketer’s career.
Ulva’s calmness in high-pressure moments, such as the tight finish against Pakistan’s U-19 team, signals maturity beyond his years. It is a quality the Indian coaching staff has taken note of when assessing his readiness for bigger challenges.
The decision by the Saurashtra Cricket Association to include him in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy squad confirms his rising profile in domestic cricket. How he adapts to the demands of senior-level T20 competition will be watched closely by those who guided him from the start.
For now, Mohit Ulva’s journey remains a story of disciplined training under a proven mentor, steady progress through age-group cricket, and a defining moment on the field that captured attention beyond regional boundaries.
According to Yahoo Sports.
