The stadium pulsed with tension as senior Sohum Arora walked onto the pitch for the final round of the national cricket tournament. His team had already clinched the first two games, but everything hinged on this last match. Each swing of the bat felt heavier, the stakes higher. Shot after shot connected clean, the scoreboard ticking upward. By the end of the game, Sohum had racked up 100 runs, a milestone so rare it left even himself stunned. Riding that adrenaline, the team powered through the finals and emerged national champions.

Ever since the day his grandfather introduced him to the sport in second grade, Sohum has had an affinity for playing cricket. Cricket now plays a large role in his life, as he trains rigorously each week with the dream of playing on the US national team. What initially drew Sohum into cricket was the teamwork aspect; though it is an uncommon sport in the US, Sohum has been able to find a community of cricket players, including his friends at Harker.  

“You can build teamwork in cricket, since you’re with everyone and the game’s six to seven hours long,” Sohum said. “As a captain, I can see that, because you’re spending time with each other, but more than that, you’re strategizing. You’re coming up with plans, you’re working together, because everything depends on different people. It’s not a sport based on one person per se; we’re depending on others.”

Sohum’s friend, senior Aarav Borthakur, admires his determination and love for the sport. They have bonded over their shared interests since fifth grade, when they first became friends. 

“Sohum seemed extremely focused and driven on his cricket career, even at such a young age,” Aarav said. “I still remember that our team would dread when he would come to bowl against us. He was usually a team carry. He would always put his heart and soul out on the field. That passion has led him to become one of the best u19 batsmen in the state.”

Sohum’s love and pursuit of cricket have garnered him a multitude of strong interpersonal bonds, including many friends and mentors. In particular, he looks up to his coach, Ragu, who provides motivation and acts as a role model in the cricket world. Though balancing cricket practices and tournaments with school work is a relentless task, Sohum perseveres and bonds with his friends over their shared struggles.

“After our cricket teams began to play each other regularly, we would often talk about our games and cricket in general,” Aarav said. “As the best two teams in the Bay Area, our teams had a rivalry. Friendly competition and banter about cricket is how we really bonded for the first time. We were childhood companions, friends through competition, and we shared trauma on schoolwork.”  

Sohum’s success in cricket stems not from any innate talent or advantage but rather from countless hours of practice and relentless determination. Through his participation in the sport, Sohum continues to improve himself both socially and academically.

“I’ve become who I’ve become because of cricket,” Sohum said. “Cricket has really helped me with patience, and helped me stay concentrated on one activity for long periods of time, not letting myself get distracted by other things. And this patience has also helped me in social interactions as well.” 

Not only does Sohum play to reach the height of the sport, but he plays for self-improvement. He uses cricket as a medium of a way to hone his skills of strategy and endurance.

“I like how cricket is skill-based,” Sohum said. “It has developed perseverance and resilience in me, especially when I’m not able to get a technique going; if you don’t get something right, then it can really hurt you.”

Sohum’s dedication to what he loves extends beyond cricket to interactions with his friends, who he always works to ensure the well-being of. He brings a collected and poised perspective that senior Vedant Balachandran believes provides consistent support to everyone around him, including his teammates and friends.

“When I’m not understanding things in class, he’s always willing to help out,” Vedant said. “He’s someone you can always come to for anything. He’s a consistent source of comfort and confidence.”

Sohum’s infectious personality extends beyond his interactions with close friends. History teacher and Sohum’s adviser Mark Janda commends Sohum’s ability to let go of stress and offer witty remarks during advisory.

“There is a gentleness, maturity, a calmness about him that has remained true through the three years that I’ve known him,” Janda said. “Though he’s quick to laugh and very witty, he’s not the kind of kid who’s going to attract a lot of attention to himself. You’re going to have to pay attention to him, and if you do pay attention, it’s totally worth it.”

Comedic classmate, supportive friend, confident teammate and much more, Sohum continues to work tirelessly to balance the pressure in his daily life and excel in his goals, whether they involve academics or cricket. He hopes that those around him see him as a reliable and persevering person they can count on.

“I would like to be seen as a balanced person, someone who’s calm under pressure and in the face of challenges, and I’ve shown that in most of my classes throughout my time here,” Sohum said. “Once I reach my goals of competing in the US national team, I don’t think I’ll look back; I’ll go full into the sport. Go professional, train even harder. Not just make the team, but win.”