Abhimanyu (sitting: third from right) with other members. Picture by Shahnawaz Akhtar

Giridih, March 15: He wears the Team India uniform with pride and like Mahendra Singh Dhoni, he is the only cricketer from the state representing the country.

While Dhoni will get all the attention in the West Indies, Abhimanyu Narayan Deo will take part in the Asian Cup in Mumbai, a cricket tournament for the deaf, without any attention or government aid.

The 23-year-old Abhimanyu, who also participated in the 2nd deaf cricket tournament held in 2005 in Lucknow, runs a PCO booth from his residence in Alkapuri.

The right-handed batsman and medium pace bowler, has been representing the Indian cricket side for the past four years and has played tournaments across the country.

In the second Deaf World Cup, which the Indian side had won, Abhimanyu played a crucial role. The first Deaf Asia Cup, is scheduled to take place between April 8 and 15 in Mumbai, where five countries — India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal will take part.

Besides cricket, Abhimanyu is proficient in computers but has not been able to procure any job.

Cricketing legends like Kapil Dev and Jawagal Srinath have also praised Abhiymanu’s game but the government is yet to react.

Many rued on the apathy of the local administration and the state government as they have taken no step to help him with a job or other facilities.

Madan Mohan Deo, Abhimanyu’s father and a primary school teacher, has tried his luck at various levels but in vain.

“I went to every possible place to help my son get a job or any other facility, but the government has not come to any aid and finally I opened a PCO booth for my son,” said Deo.

He, however, is concerned about his son’s future.

“I fear what will happen to him when he grows old. He has got so involved in the game that he does not like doing anything else. For him, it is only cricket,” said his father.