For most young cricketers, the dream begins with an IPL contract, an India cap or a packed stadium chanting their name.
For Kartik Parihar, it began with a man returning home from a night shift.
Long before the Gwalior Cheetahs dressing room, before sharing space with stars like Rajat Patidar, and before becoming one of Madhya Pradesh's promising young all-rounders, Kartik's cricket journey was built on his father's sacrifices.
While most people were heading home to rest after working through the night, Kartik's father was getting ready for another shift - taking his son to cricket practice.
"His hard work and sacrifices are what I remember the most," Kartik says.
"He used to work night shifts. Then he would come home in the morning and get ready
before me to take me for practice. "
The image is simple but powerful: a father running on little sleep so his son could chase a dream.
And years later, that dream remains unchanged.
The Boy Who Never Learned To Get Tired
Ask Kartik what he would tell his five-year-old self and the answer reveals why cricket still feels different for him.
Most players speak about discipline, ambition or hard work. Kartik talks about excitement.
"A five-year-old kid is always happy. You get a new ground to play on, an open field to run around in. There is only excitement. "
Then comes the line that perhaps explains his personality best.
"At that age, you don't know what it means to get tired. "
The innocence may have faded with age, but not the joy. Even now, at 21, the word Kartik uses most frequently is "fun. "
Cricket is still something he enjoys before anything else.
"I just want to enjoy cricket. "
In an era obsessed with pathways, contracts and statistics, it is a refreshingly uncomplicated answer.
The Tournament That Changed Everything
Every cricketer has a moment when selectors begin paying attention. For Kartik, it came during Madhya Pradesh's Under-19 Division Cricket tournament.
The competition was a four-day format, demanding consistency with both bat and ball.
His response was emphatic. "I scored centuries in both innings and took a five-wicket haul as well. After that, selectors started noticing me. "
It was the breakthrough performance that shifted him from being another talented youngster to a player worth tracking.
A Dressing Room With Rajat Patidar
The MPL has offered Kartik more than just opportunities on the field. It has also provided access to players who have already reached the levels he dreams of.
One of them is Royal Challengers Bengaluru captain Rajat Patidar.
Sharing a dressing room with Patidar has become one of the most valuable learning experiences of Kartik's career.
"It feels good to share the dressing room with such a big player," he says.
"I learn from his work ethic, his experience and the things he shares with us. "
Interestingly, Kartik says success hasn't changed Patidar.
"He doesn't look like the captain of RCB. He is still the same Rajat Patidar. "
Watching someone remain grounded despite reaching the highest levels has perhaps been as important as any cricket lesson.
The New Road To Indian Cricket
Kartik belongs to a generation that has benefited from the explosion of state T20 leagues across India.
The MPL, he believes, has changed the landscape for young cricketers.
"Now every state has its own league. Young players have a platform. "
"By performing here, they can directly enter the IPL and move closer to playing for India. "
For players like Kartik, these leagues are no longer just domestic competitions.
They are gateways.
First Call? Dad
Like thousands of young cricketers, Kartik dreams of wearing the India jersey one day.
But when asked who he would call first after receiving that life-changing news, there is no hesitation.
"My father. "
The answer arrives instantly.
Because the dream was never his alone.
It belonged to the man who finished a night shift and still found the energy to take a little boy to practice.
And if that dream eventually becomes reality?
Kartik's ambitions won't stop with an India cap.
"If I get the opportunity, I want to win a World Cup for India. "
Whether it's the ODI World Cup, T20 World Cup, Champions Trophy or World Test Championship doesn't matter.
The goal is simple. Lift a trophy for India.
Until then, Kartik Parihar will keep doing what he has always done - enjoying cricket.
The excitement of that five-year-old boy may have evolved, but it has never disappeared. And perhaps that's what makes his story worth following.
