While the crowd at Headingley erupted in applause for Yashasvi Jaiswal’s sublime century during the first Test between India and England, one young fan stood out—not for the volume of his cheers, but for the depth of his connection with the game. Amidst thousands of spectators, 12-year-old Ravi Chahal was seen soaking in every moment of Jaiswal’s innings—not with his eyes, but with the eyes of his heart.
Blind since birth, Ravi Chahal is a remarkable young boy with an extraordinary love for cricket. A British-born child of Indian origin, Ravi was born in England to Preit Chahal, who moved from India several years ago. It wasn’t long after Ravi’s birth that the family discovered that the light in his eyes was dimmed by fate. But if anything, his visual impairment only deepened his emotional clarity and passion for sport.
Despite his challenges, Ravi never allowed his disability to define him. He explored various sports growing up—horse riding and swimming among them—but cricket remained his first love. He developed a love for the sport, listening to BBC UK’s programme, Test Match Special (TMS). “I love listening to how you describe the game. It’s just perfect for me”, said Ravi to Phil Tufnell of the BBC at the Headingley.
His unwavering passion eventually led him to the England and Wales Cricket Board’s (ECB) disability cricket programme, where he began formal training using specially adapted techniques and equipment. He plays using specialised glasses and has developed the ability to identify and strike the sound-enhanced balls used in visually impaired cricket.
England fast bowler Mark Wood, after meeting Ravi, was left in awe. “He’s got such a feel for the game—it’s inspiring. The way he picks up the ball, understands the rhythm—it’s something special,” Wood said. Ravi, who follows Test cricket closely via radio commentary, dreams of meeting his hero in person one day.”
Speaking to BBC UK, Ravi described, “The game has adapted to me a bit differently – the balancing, listening to the ball and reacting and more”.
He said his favourite cricketer is the Indian opener. “I love Yashasvi Jaiswal – the way he plays and his character and everything. He has a tough upbringing, and he loves his game.”
Knowing about Ravi’s story, the IPL side Rajasthan Royals posted on their social media handle that Jaiswal is Ravi’s biggest hero, to which Jaiswal replied – “You truly are an inspiration, Ravi. Would love to meet you if you are at the game.”
“Just because you have a disability, it does not stop you from playing cricket. I want anyone with any disability not to think that they can’t do anything because they have a disability. It does not stop you from doing anything”, said the twelve-year-old in an interview with ITV.
As the Indian Mixed Disability side celebrated their first victory against England in the ongoing seven-match T20I series at Lord’s, it’s stories like Ravi Chahal’s that remind us why this format of the game deserves greater visibility and support. Just as we rally behind the men’s and women’s teams, the Mixed Disability series, too, warrants our full attention—not just for the cricketing action, but for the inspiration it offers.
Who knows—one day, we might see young Ravi leading the England Mixed Disability team at a Mixed Disability World Cup or even the Paralympics. But that dream can only become reality if the ecosystem around disability cricket continues to grow with the recognition, resources, and respect it truly deserves.
The Indian Mixed Disability side at Lord’s (Image: DCCI)