Gangtok, Aug. 5 -- Every time critics mocked him after a tough match-"Go back to driving autos like your father"-Mohammed Siraj didn't waver. Instead, the taunt fueled him. Because behind those words was the very reason he never gave up: his father's relentless struggle and sacrifice.

"My father's auto rickshaw wasn't an insult-it was my motivation," Siraj once wrote. "He showed me the meaning of resilience-keep moving forward, no matter how heavy the load or how steep the road."

Siraj's journey was never paved with privilege. There were nights he walked miles home after grueling practice sessions, too exhausted to afford a ride. Days when selectors overlooked him. Seasons spent warming the bench while others played. But with every setb...