The spirit of competition isn’t about the desire to win, but the dedication to prepare. This sentiment rings true for Dilpreet Singh Bajwa, a name that has become synonymous with pride and excitement in Gurdaspur. While the city may or may not tune into T20 World Cup matches featuring the Indian team, televisions are certainly switched on when Canada takes the field. The reason? Dilpreet Singh Bajwa, the young cricketer, has become a prominent figure in the Canadian national squad.
The excitement surrounding Bajwa wasn’t always this palpable. When he participated in the qualifying tournament in Bermuda last September, the buzz was relatively low. However, his selection for the Canadian national team has sent waves of enthusiasm through his hometown. Bajwa is a protégé of coach Rakesh Marshall, who idolized the legendary West Indian fast bowler Malcolm Marshall during his own playing days.
Bajwa’s cricketing journey began in the schools of Gurdaspur and its nearby towns, Dhariwal and Batala. As a schoolboy, he was a consistent middle-order batsman, making a mark in Punjab’s domestic cricket circuit. Despite his talent, a place in the state team eluded him. The repeated rejections were disheartening, and his parents decided to move to Canada, hoping for better opportunities.
In Canada, Bajwa’s talent flourished. Playing for the Montreal Tigers in the Global T20 league, he caught the eye of national selectors. His performances earned him a spot in the team for the T20 World Cup. Bajwa’s relentless efforts, more than sheer strength or intelligence, unlocked his potential. He honed his skills, particularly his ability to drive and loft the ball, with some of his shots landing deep into the stands.
A fortnight before the T20 World Cup commenced, Bajwa was back in Gurdaspur, reconnecting with friends, family, and Rakesh Marshall, the coach who had played a crucial role in his development. Bajwa’s mantra that “good is not good when better is expected” drives him to put his best foot forward in the ongoing tournament in the USA and the West Indies.
Whether Bajwa leads Canada to victory or not, he has already given the people of Gurdaspur countless reasons to celebrate. His journey from a local cricket enthusiast to an international player symbolizes hope, perseverance, and the pursuit of excellence. As he continues to make strides on the global stage, his hometown watches with bated breath, bursting with pride for their local hero.
