India U-19 cricketer Arshin Kulkarni had a dream come true moment when he met his childhood hero Jacques Kallis in South Africa ahead of the upcoming U19 World Cup 2024. The 18-year-old all-rounder, who performs a similar role for his side as a right-handed batter and medium-pace bowler, had the opportunity to interact with Kallis at the Indian team hotel in Pretoria. U19 Cricket World Cup 2024: Five players to watch out for at the South Africa tournament During this conversation, Kulkarni also got his jersey autographed and took a photo with Kallis. The 48-year-old former South Africa all-rounder is currently serving as an assistant coach with SA20 franchise Pretoria Capitals. In a heartwarming gesture, Arshin even sought his blessings by touching the cricket maestro’s feet.
"Can I touch your feet?" 🥹
— Pretoria Capitals (@PretoriaCapsSA) January 17, 2024
India U19 cricketer Arshin Kulkarni idolised Jacques Kallis all his life. On Monday, he got to meet his hero! 🥹#RoarSaamMore #SA20 pic.twitter.com/eLkC0aQ3MF
Arshin posted the photo on Instagram with the caption: “The best day of my life. For the past 12 years, you have been the person I looked upon as a perfect cricketer and as a role model, Today was the day when I finally met you every time my parents asked me about my favourite destination, I would say South Africa in a hope that I would finally get to meet him I have always been your admirer and you have always been my inspiration ALWAYS AND FOREVER SIR.”
The video of this meeting has since gone viral, with Kulkarni describing it as the “best day” of his life. India will take on Sri Lanka in their second warm-up match on Wednesday in Pretoria before launching their World Cup campaign against Bangladesh in Bloemfontein on 20 January. Kulkarni is a right-handed batter and right-arm medium pacer, who has played six T20s so far. He has scored 121 runs and picked up four wickets. As far as the upcoming 2024 U-19 World Cup is concerned, India will start their campaign with a match against Bangladesh at the Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein on 20 January. After this, they will take on Ireland on January 25 and then face the United States of America on January 28.