Munaf Patel is a former Indian speedster widely known for his lanky physique with rhythmic run-up that helps him to generate that extra bit of pace to execute perfect yorkers and seam movements without compromising on his line & length. Munaf Patel bowling.He gained prominence during the Cricket World Cup match between India and England on 27 February 2011. Munaf was credited for bowling the last over of the match when England needed 14 runs to win with four wickets in hand. As 9 runs were scored in the first three balls, the match was looking in Englands hand. In the last ball, Munaf just conceded a single and helped India to end the match in a tie. Munaf Patel taking a return catch off his own bowling during a match against England in the 2011 World Cup.At the age of 20, he was invited to the MRFs Pace Foundation in Chennai by then Chairman of the Indian national cricket team; Kiran More. There he caught the eye of its director and former Australian fast bowler, Dennis Lillee. He was then signed by Mumbai in a transfer deal in 2003 before representing his home state, Gujarat.His passion for cricket was instilled in him since childhood. Unfortunately, he had to quit cricket in his ninth standard to help his father to run their household expenses. He worked at a marble factory during vacations as a tiles laborer. His work was to choose the best export quality tiles and pack them in the boxes. For this, he gets INR 35 a day for an eight-hour shift. In an interview, he recalls, [9]Indian Express Limited It was a hard life, but it had become a habit. There wasnt enough money, but what could we do? Father was the only one earning, and we were in school..Despite all those hardships, Munaf started pursuing his passion (cricket) on the advice of his friend and former Indian cricketer Yusuf Pathan, who took him to Baroda and enrolled him at a cricket club. Remembering those days, Munaf said, He bought me Rs 400-worth shoes, and introduced me to a cricket club. Ehsaan rahega zindagi bhar. (Even today, whenever Yusuf comes down from UK, Munaf hops over to his house. Kuch bhi kaam hai toh bata dena, bhai. Meanwhile, his father isnt happy. Every day, at dinner, young Munaf is asked to quit playing cricket and join him at work. He further revealed, I would just stay silent; my mother would tell him to let me play. For Ikhar, a village of poor cotton farmers, Africa was the passport out of poverty. Every year, a youngster or two would land up at a friend, relative, or acquaintances house in Zambia, Mozambique, South Africa, or Zimbabwe to find work in a factory or a shop. Patel had an uncle in Zambia and so his future seemed set in stone. You cant blame my father. No one here really knew that cricket had this kind of scope. That I can even earn money from this..He would often struggle while communicating with players of foreign nationalities. In an interview, he told that he would leave the practice early after hitting English batter with regular bouncers. Revealing further, he told, Gora tha (He was white), left-handed and the pitches were fast then. I bowled four-five bouncers; one hit his shoulder, one his helmet and other his gloves. He started to come towards me, saying something in English. Mujhe toh English aati nahi tab. But I see that he is angry. So I slip away quickly and dive into the swimming pool. I thought he will complain to Sir, who will throw me out of the academy!.After becoming a prominent player, the first thing that he did was to put an end to his fathers labor job. Munaf spent his entire childhood in the village. As his family wasnt willing to move to a city, Munaf decided to build a new house in his village. In an interview, he told that he loves staying in his village and interestingly, even after winning the 2011 World Cup, Munaf was still living in his village. Munaf Patel in his village.He first entered the limelight during a practice game against New Zealand in 2002 where he impressed everyone with his raw pace. But his ability to lose control once hit for boundaries prompted the selectors not to throw him away onto the international stage. He was then told to concentrate on Ranji Trophy, but he didnt lose heart. Instead, he focussed on his weak point to mold himself as a world-class bowler later in 2006 when he got selected in a Test series against England. He credits his state team Maharashtra and coach for all the success he engulfed from being a newcomer to bagging a place in the Indian national side. He said, [10]Hindustan Times Maharashtra supported me. Chandrakant Pandit also encouraged me all the way. He taught me many things..In 2005-2006 against West Indies, Munaf proved his potential to be the next big thing in Indian cricket when he was clocking express speeds regularly. Not only this but also, his ability to swing the ball both ways to trouble the batter with his consistent line & length was admired by many cricket experts around the world. However, in ODIs, he was struck for 6 fours in an over by Ramnaresh Sarwan.In 2010, Munaf got married to a local girl named Taslima in a private function that includes only his close relatives and friends. Munaf Patel with his wife and son.