Meet Sibun Nanda: The Real-Life 'Iqbal' Inspiring India’s Deaf Cricket Team
Sibun Nanda: A Journey of Determination and Dreams
Kataka: The Hindi film Iqbal resonated with many, showcasing the journey of a young cricketer who, despite being deaf and mute, pursued his dream of representing India. The character, portrayed by Shreyas Talpade, faced numerous challenges but ultimately triumphed with the support of his coach, played by Naseeruddin Shah. Fast forward to today, and Odisha has discovered its own real-life 'Iqbal' in 19-year-old Sibun Nanda. Like the film's protagonist, Nanda also cannot hear or speak, yet cricket has provided him with a unique form of expression.
Every ball he bowls, every run he scores, and every match he plays narrates a tale of resilience, ambition, and self-belief. His remarkable journey has led him to the India Deaf Cricket team, where he has proudly represented the nation on two occasions. However, for Nanda, this is merely the beginning. Hailing from Brahmapur, he aspires to play in the Ranji Trophy and dreams of donning the India jersey at the highest level. His story is still unfolding, but his ambition is crystal clear: to demonstrate that the most powerful dreams often require no words.
Nanda, an all-rounder from Brahmapur, embarked on his cricketing journey at the Khailikote College Ground. As a right-handed batsman and right-arm fast bowler, he has made significant strides in his career, representing India in Deaf Cricket and being part of the Odisha U19 team for prestigious tournaments like the Cooch Behar Trophy and Vinoo Mankad Trophy over the past three seasons. Currently, he plays for the Kataka Panthers in the Bharat Masala Odisha T20 League—CM Trophy and has participated in two Deaf Cricket matches for India.
For Nanda, wearing the India jersey is a source of immense pride, but he views it as just the start of his journey. He expressed, “My goal is to advance in cricket and consistently represent India. Playing two matches for India in Deaf Cricket is a significant achievement for me, but my aspirations extend beyond that. I aim to compete in the Ranji Trophy and, if given the chance, represent India’s senior team. I am dedicated to regular practice, fitness, and performance. My dream is to make Odisha, my family, and my supporters proud through my achievements.”
On the field, communication has never hindered his ability to express himself. Nanda utilizes hand signals, gestures, and eye contact to communicate with his teammates, relying on mutual understanding during matches. He stated, “I don’t encounter major difficulties while playing. We communicate through hand signals, gestures, and eye contact. For me, communication transcends speaking; it’s about understanding one another.”
Raised in Berhampur’s Radha Krishna Billa Street, near Gate Bazar, Nanda comes from a family where his father serves as a priest and astrologer. His cricketing journey commenced at the Khalikote College Ground, where he began learning and playing the sport. Over time, his commitment has propelled him from local grounds to the India Deaf Cricket setup and now to the Odisha T20 League. As he continues to hone his skills, he draws inspiration from two of India’s celebrated all-rounders, stating, “My favorite cricketers are MS Dhoni and Hardik Pandya.”