It has been a dream come true for two seven-year-olds at the Robin Singh RSR Cricket Academy. After playing their first-ever match on turf, the two brave hearts, Kabir Raja and Aadi Sarfare, faced much older opposition with poise and courage. They were not content to simply make up the numbers — both made an instant impact by taking wickets in their very first overs.
The two young cricketers, students of GEMS Modern Academy, played against the Cleopatra Under-14 team in a friendly contest on their school ground. The moment the ball was thrown to them, they stepped up with the confidence of seasoned players. What unfolded next was a heartening display of early talent, teamwork, and unshakable enthusiasm.
Kabir and Aadi are among the youngest players at the academy, yet their composure stood out. “I felt happy,” Kabir said with a shy smile when asked about taking a wicket against a 14-year-old batter. “I just got lucky,” he added modestly, but it was clear that it was more than luck — it was focus, courage, and the thrill of testing his skills against bigger boys. Aadi, too, showed the same fearless streak. “It was good,” he said simply, before adding with disarming honesty, “but there should be more cheering!”
For the Mumbai duo, cricket has already become more than a pastime. Their eyes light up when they talk about matches, practice sessions, and their favourite players. Kabir’s role model in bowling is Shane Warne, which explains his early interest in leg spin, while Virat Kohli inspires him with the bat. Aadi’s favourite cricketer is Suryakumar Yadav, the modern-day powerhouse of Indian batting. Both boys dream of playing for India one day — a dream that, judging by their early enthusiasm, might just take root sooner than anyone expects.
Growing up in Dubai, Kabir and Aadi are part of a new generation of Indian-origin children who are discovering their love for cricket through structured academies such as RSR. These institutions not only hone their technical skills but also teach them the discipline, sportsmanship, and teamwork that cricket demands. The exposure to turf wickets, match situations, and a mix of age groups gives them an invaluable head start.
In a cricket-mad world where youngsters often look up to televised heroes, watching these tiny talents in action is a reminder of the sport’s simple joys — the first wicket, the first boundary, the rush of applause, and the shared laughter in the dugout. Their enthusiasm is infectious, their confidence inspiring.
For Kabir and Aadi, every match is a new adventure. They still juggle cricket with school, homework, and playtime, but when they walk onto the field, they carry the dreams of many young hopefuls learning the game.
Their story may have just begun, but it already carries a clear message: age is no barrier when passion meets opportunity.