Every cricketer learns early that the game gives very little certainty. Selection is never promised. Effort does not always translate into opportunity. And sometimes, even after doing everything right, the answer is still no.
Mayashankar Bhardwaj knows this better than most.
At 36, he is the Best Fielder of the Year at the CricHeroes Awards 2025. On the ground, he dives harder, runs faster, and stays sharper than players much younger than him. But this recognition comes after years of rejection, doubt, and learning how to live with unfinished dreams.
When the game began early
Mayashankar was born and brought up in Noida. Like many young players with ability, cricket found him early. He was selected for Under 17 cricket and later played for Jharkhand senior district teams between 2013 and 2015. He was part of Ranji Trophy setups and Under 23 zonal cricket.
From the outside, things looked promising. From the inside, uncertainty had already started to grow.
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Despite strong performances, he was not selected for Jharkhand Under 23. It shook his belief.
“Cricket se trust uth gaya tha,” he admits.
“Mayashankar kaun hai, yeh bhi doubt hone laga tha.”
When support went missing
At home, cricket was not seen as a long-term future. Mayashankar was the elder son. Responsibility came first.
During a critical phase, his father was bedridden. Mayashankar often hid his struggles so he would not add to his family’s worries.
Cricket slowly started to feel like a selfish choice.
“There were times people said, ‘Kuch nahi mila cricket se. Chhod kyun nahi deta?’”
For a while, it felt like they were right.
Choosing survival over dreams
Between 2016 and 2018, Mayashankar took a government job through the sports quota. For the first time, life felt financially stable. Later, he played corporate cricket, including leagues like the Indus Premier League.
In 2017, he became an executive engineer. It was a secure and respected role. But something felt incomplete.
“Aaj shayad job karta toh paise hote,” he says honestly.
“Better life hoti. Par aaj Mayashankar jo bhi hai, woh cricket ki wajah se hai.”
In 2022, he resigned from his job — a decision that surprised many.
Returning to the ground with a new mindset
Cricket had given him setbacks, but it had also given him clarity.
“India ke liye sirf 11 log khelte hai,” Mayashankar says.
“Par cricket apne liye bhi toh khel sakte hai.”
That thought changed everything.
He stopped chasing labels. Instead of worrying about being seen only as a batter or bowler, he shifted his mindset. His main aim became impact — especially in the field.
“Boundary ke bahar chahe jo bhi ho jaaye,” he says.
“Ground pe main apna 200 percent deta hoon.”
And it showed.
Why fielding became his identity
Mayashankar chose to build his identity around fielding.
Speed. Awareness. Commitment. Fitness.
At 36, his fitness surprised even younger teammates. Diving stops. Direct hits. Long boundary chases. He played with hunger, knowing how quickly the game can slip away.
A teammate once said:
“He may not have played for India, but if you see his CricHeroes stats across batting, bowling, and fielding, you will be shocked.”
A second chance at cricket
For Mayashankar, this phase feels like a second life.
“Aaj mere paas second chance hai,” he says.
“Prove karna hai duniya ko nahi, apne aap ko ki main abhi bhi kar sakta hoon.”
He accepted that he might never wear India colours. And in that acceptance, he found peace.
What the Best Fielder of the Year award stands for
The CricHeroes Best Fielder of the Year Award 2025 is not just about catches or run-outs. It reflects:
- Consistency
- Match awareness
- Fitness
- Intent on every single ball
Mayashankar is 36. But when he steps onto the field, his eyes carry the fire of a 20-year-old.
He treats fielding as responsibility, not backup.
The game may not have given him everything he once wanted. But it gave him identity.
“Aaj Mayashankar ki koi pehchan hai,” he says,
“Toh sirf cricket ki wajah se hai.”
👉 Watch the full reel on Instagram here:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is Mayashankar Bhardwaj?
Mayashankar Bhardwaj is an Indian cricketer from Noida who played district and zonal cricket for Jharkhand and won the Best Fielder of the Year at the CricHeroes Awards 2025.
Why did Mayashankar leave his government job?
He resigned in 2022 to return to competitive cricket and give himself another chance to play at a high level.
What teams did Mayashankar represent?
He played Under 17 cricket, Jharkhand senior district teams (2013–2015), Ranji Trophy setups, and Under 23 zonal cricket. He also featured in corporate leagues like the Indus Premier League.
Why is Mayashankar known for fielding?
He built his identity around fielding due to his fitness, speed, and match awareness. His performances earned him the Best Fielder of the Year award at the CricHeroes Awards 2025.
How old is Mayashankar Bhardwaj?
He is 36 years old and continues to compete with strong fitness and intensity.
I am Manan Joshi , SEO All-Rounder at CricHeroes.
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