Sachin Tendulkar Played Backyard Cricket with the Puna Brothers in Hamilton
The Puna family legacy bridges New Zealand cricket history and international sporting connections.
1Historic Backyard Encounter
In March 1990, the Indian cricket team toured New Zealand and visited the Puna family home in Hamilton. During this visit, a young Sachin Tendulkar played backyard cricket with brothers Alpesh and Dharmesh Puna. While senior players like Bishen Bedi and Kapil Dev played pool, Tendulkar engaged in the informal match.
2The Puna Sporting Dynasty
The Puna family holds a significant place in New Zealand sports history. Grandfather Narotam 'Tom' Puna was the first person of Indian ethnicity to play test cricket for New Zealand, debuting in 1966 against England at age 36. His sons, Ashok and Kirti, also played First-Class cricket for the Northern Districts team.
3Training Through Play
Alpesh and Dharmesh Puna developed their skills through intense backyard games at the Muthu Cricket Ground. They established their own rules, often using trees as fielders and allowing unbeaten batters to resume the next morning. These sessions frequently resulted in broken windows and damaged lettuces in the neighbouring groundsman's garden.
4Professional Sporting Success
The brothers eventually reached the national stage, representing New Zealand as Black Sticks in hockey. Alpesh competed at the 2002 Hockey World Cup in Kuala Lumpur, while their cousin Rupesh played football for the All Whites. Their mother provided essential support, which Alpesh credits as the foundation for their professional athletic achievements.
5Legacy of Tom Puna
Narotam Puna, known as Bapuji to his grandchildren, was a pioneer for Indian-origin athletes in New Zealand. He began his career with Northern Districts in 1956 and later topped the Plunket Shield wicket-taking charts in 1965 and 1966. He passed away in 1996, four years before his grandsons earned national selection.
6Global Sporting Contributions
Beyond his playing career, Alpesh Puna founded Shaw’s Little League in Singapore. This initiative focuses on helping children build confidence and develop fundamental sporting skills through structured play. His journey reflects the broader influence of the Puna family, who have transitioned from local backyard contests to international sports and youth development.
7Enduring Family Allegiances
Despite their deep connection to Indian cricket history and their grandfather's heritage, the Puna family maintains strong allegiance to New Zealand. This loyalty is evident when the two nations face each other in international fixtures. The family continues to cherish memorabilia, including Tom Puna’s original cap kept in Auckland.
8The Value of Sport
The Puna family story illustrates how informal childhood play can foster lifelong discipline and professional success. From broken windows in Hamilton to international arenas, their narrative highlights the intersection of cultural heritage and athletic ambition. These backyard battles remain a defining memory that shaped the brothers' paths to national team representation.