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[Saba Sports News] In Hyderabad’s World Cup opener between Netherlands and Pakistan on October 6, nearly 20 to 30 members of Teja Nidamanuru’s family, including his mother and grandmother, will be in attendance. Teja, born in India and raised in New Zealand, will be playing for the Netherlands, less than 170 miles away from Vijayawada, where he spent the first six years of his childhood.
Teja’s mother is excited to see him play and reflects on his unique journey. Despite playing state cricket in New Zealand, representing the Netherlands in a World Cup was unexpected.
Teja retains vivid memories of his early childhood in Vijayawada, where he grew up with his grandparents. It’s been two and a half years since he last saw his family, making this a special reunion.
Playing in India in front of his family holds tremendous significance for Teja, and he struggles to put his excitement into words, describing a World Cup in India as genuinely special.
Teja’s journey spans three countries, moving to New Zealand at the age of six. He played domestic cricket in New Zealand but took up an offer to play for Kampong Cricket Club in Utrecht in mid-2019. Eventually, he joined the Netherlands cricket board, combining work and cricket.
Teja’s international career took shape in his late 20s, and he has become one of Netherlands’ top century-makers in ODIs. Despite playing away from his homeland, he hopes to find home comfort in Hyderabad during the World Cup.
He misses his grandfather, who started his cricketing journey and passed away five years ago. Teja cherishes the memories of his grandfather’s support and wishes he could have seen him play on this grand stage.
“I grew up with my grandparents in Vijayawada. My mom was quite young, my dad used to work in a government job and he used to get posted everywhere.”
“My grandfather started my cricketing journey when I was very young. He was the one who bought me my first cricket gear, my first pair of gloves. I was the first grandchild of the family, and maybe there was more love and affection and getting away. I never sat still. He always rolled the ball to me and said ‘go and play’. Unfortunately, he passed away five years ago. But it would’ve been pretty special to have him see me, but his wishes are with me.”