Life tends to turn in unpredictable directions, and for Vinayak Shukla, that meant moving out of Kanpur in pursuit of cricketing aspirations that looked beyond reach in India. Now, the wicket-keeper batsman represents Oman with pride in the big arena, set to take on his native country India in the Asia Cup 2025. Shukla had to leave home in 2021 when the opportunities for Uttar Pradesh cricket ran out. After years of struggle, he shifted to Oman and started working as a Data Operator during the day and playing cricket in his free time. His determination paid off when he broke into the team in 2024, scoring an unbeaten 40 against Qatar. 'My inspiration has always been MS Dhoni' - Shukla Shukla's inspiration comes from none other than Mahendra Singh Dhoni. He said: "As a wicketkeeper-batsman [batter], my inspiration has always been Mahendra Singh Dhoni - the way he finishes games and leads the team is unmatched. He is my guru. I never met him but want to meet him." Also Read | Gauti Bhai was straightforward: Kuldeep Yadav recall bench days during the ENG Tests Shukla's Memories with Kuldeep Yadav Playing against India in the Asia Cup means a lot to Shukla, who has a deep relationship with Kuldeep Yadav. Shukla remembered: 'I’ve played with Kuldeep Yadav back in India, so I hope we’ll meet soon. I remember playing matches with Kuldeep bhai in Kanpur. He was with Rovers Club and I played for PSE. We had many friendly games together. Once he bowled to me and I hit him for four, and he said, ‘Oh, pretty good shot!'" He is now eagerly looking forward to meeting his childhood buddy as opponents on the global arena. Kanpur Beyond the Paan Masala Stereotype Shukla also used the opportunity to defend his home city. With a smile on his face, he said: "Paan masala ke alawa bhi bahut kuch famous hai Kanpur mein. Chaat, Imarti, Badnaam Kulfi, and Thaggu ke Laddu are among the city’s most famous treats." He longs for Kanpur evenings spent with friends after practice over cups of tea, something no amount of life in Oman could substitute. Also Read | Apollo Tyres’ Neeraj Kanwar Rejects “Jersey Jinx” After ₹579 Cr India Deal The Big Day Against India For Shukla, this upcoming encounter against India is not merely a game. He said: "Playing against India is going to be very special. Facing players like Jasprit Bumrah, Suryakumar Yadav, Kuldeep and Shubman Gill is huge - for the Oman national cricket team as well as for me." From local clubs of Kanpur to playing for Oman in the Asia Cup, Vinayak Shukla's path shows that if one fights hard enough, dreams can take new routes.