IPL Cricketer Mayank Dagar Honoured by Bishop Cotton School and Opens New Cricket Facilities
2 min read
Shimla, 12 June 2024
There was palpable excitement at Bishop Cotton School (BCS) today following the morning’s half-yearly exams as IPL cricketer Mayank Dagar paid a nostalgic visit to his alma mater. The Indian cricketer was greeted with applause from the entire school, marking his return to the campus where his cricketing journey began.
Honoured with a Spartan Tie
BCS Director Simon Weale honoured Dagar with a special ‘Spartan Club’ tie and badge. Weale highlighted the school’s historic connection to the IPL, stating, “A BCS person founded the IPL, and Mayank is the first Cottonian to play in the IPL, so we’re very, very proud of him, and grateful to him for spending time in school with our boys today.”
In his speech, Mayank Dagar expressed his deep connection to BCS. He reminisced, “BCS holds a very special place in my heart, and my journey started from here when I joined the school in Class 7. I never thought I’d make it into professional cricket, but I did always try and work hard, and played matches from here. I’m really happy to see some of my old teachers are still here, and it is always a special feeling to be in this school, although I can’t come up to school that much these days – I’m looking forward to spending some time with you all today.”
Accompanied by his sister and cousins, Mayank Dagar toured the campus and inaugurated the new cricket facilities at the heritage school. Demonstrating his generous spirit, he coached the boys, offering tips and engaging in a friendly game where he bowled and batted. In a memorable moment, he hit a ball out of the pitch and out of the school grounds, much to the delight of the students.
Mayank Jitender Dagar, a 27-year-old cricketer, represents Himachal Pradesh in domestic cricket and Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL. A right-handed batsman and slow left-arm orthodox bowler, Dagar was part of India’s squad for the 2016 Under-19 Cricket World Cup. Born in Delhi, he attended Bishop Cotton School in Shimla, one of Asia’s oldest boarding schools. His father, Jitender Dagar, played cricket at the university level and works as a contractor for the Municipal Corporation of Delhi. Notably, former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag is a cousin of Dagar’s mother.
Mayank’s journey from a young student at BCS to an IPL cricketer serves as an inspiring testament to hard work and dedication, leaving a lasting impression on the current students of his beloved school.
