PHOTOS

Vikramjit Singh's family escaped 1984 riots: Netherlands sikh batter's story, know it all here - IN PICS

Netherlands opening batter Vikramjit Singh could not trouble the scorers in IND vs NED clash in Super 12 stage of the T20 World Cup 2022. He however has achieved many things in his life already. At 19, he is Netherlands' best bet at the top. He is just 19 and has miles to go in his career. But do you know that his roots are in India. Vikramjit belongs to a village in Punjab and his grandfather continues to live here. However, there is more to this story than what meets the eye. Look below for more.

Updated:Oct 27, 2022, 07:25 PM IST

1/5

Vikramjit Singh's family fled Punjab during 1984 riots

Vikramjit Singh's grandfather Khushi Cheema fled their village called Cheema Khurd to protect his family. He boarded the train to Delhi from Jalandhar as the riots spread all across Punjab.

2/5

Vikramjit's family moved to Netherlands

Khushi Cheema moved with his family to Netherlands soon with his son five-year old son Harpeeet. There he started driving taxi but in 2000, came back after setting up a taxi business and handing over business to his son Harpreet.

3/5

Vikramjit's family faced racism in Netherlands early on

Vikramjit's father Harpreet says that his family faced racism during the early days in the new country. "Back then, there was racism. I faced a lot because of my skin colour, turban and beard," says Harpreet.

4/5

Vikramjit was born in Punjab

Vikramjit was born in Punjab. In the same village as his father and grandfather which is Cheema Khurd. He was sent to Netherlands only when he turned seven years old.

5/5

Vikramjit Singh's family fled Punjab during 1984 riots

Vikram took a liking to cricket instantly. He was just 12 when former Netherlands captain Peter Borren spotted him and began to groom the young talent. At 15, he made his debut for Netherlands A side. He took a liking to cricket when he spent those early seven years of his life in Cheema Khurd.