Madurai: G Vikash Ganeshkumar, a 21-year-old student of Bethshan Higher Special School in Pasumalai, is all set to represent India in the upcoming International T20 Mixed Disability Cricket Series against England. Scheduled from June 15 to July 4 in London, the tournament is organized by the Differently Abled Cricket Council of India (DCCI) in collaboration with the England and Wales Cricket Board.

Vikash is one of just four intellectually disabled players in the 16-member Indian squad and the only player from Tamil Nadu.

Diagnosed with mild intellectual disability at age five, Vikash was initially educated in a mainstream school until Class 8 before joining Bethshan, where his interest in sports—especially cricket—was nurtured. “Though he loved cricket from early on, it wasn’t offered under Special Olympics,” said his mother, Prema Latha.

His father, Ganesh Kumar, a sub-inspector with the Madurai police dog squad, shared that Vikash dabbled in badminton to stay active in sports. Once cricket was included in the mixed disability category, he fully dedicated himself to the game.

From district matches to state-level recognition in Perambur, Vikash caught the eye of DCCI selectors, who requested videos of his batting and bowling. A month ago, he received the call that changed everything—he had made the India team. He is currently training in Jaipur and will leave for England on Saturday.

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