How Sourabh Jagdale Shaped the Rise of Pratik Kadlak and Vishwajeet Jagtap. Some stories begin with talent. Some begin with opportunity. But the stories of Pratik Kadlak and Vishwajeet Jagtap began with something even more powerful. They began with belief. The kind of belief that parents carry for their children and the kind of belief that a mentor like Sourabh Jagdale instils in young athletes to transform potential into performance.
Today, both Pratik and Vishwajeet are selected to represent Team Maharashtra for the BCCI Under 16 Vijay Merchant Trophy, 2025–26, a remarkable milestone in their cricketing journeys. Their paths are different, yet deeply connected through one common foundation. The structured, athlete first development system at Jagdale Sports Foundation (JSF) and the guidance of Mr. Sourabh Jagdale.
This is their story.
Pratik Kadlak From a village cricket ground to the state team:
Pratik’s story began when he was just five years old. His father, who was passionate about sports, enrolled him in a cricket academy in SambhajiNagar. Summers were spent on the cricket field and slowly the game became a part of his identity. His father had so much belief in him that when Pratik was only eight years old, he invested four lakh rupees to build a cricket ground on their farm so the young boy could practice every day.
Years later, during the Verroc Cup U14 tournament, Pratik crossed paths with Sourabh Jagdale. One conversation changed everything. Sourabh saw something in him and advised him to play the invitation matches for Trinity. That single suggestion brought Pratik into an environment where opportunity had structure and talent had direction.
At Trinity and JSF, Pratik found himself receiving guidance from Sourabh dada and Dnyaneshwar Jagdale Sir. Despite early struggles in practice matches, Sourabh stood firmly behind him. With focused coaching and consistent motivation, Pratik turned his form around. What followed was a stunning run of five consecutive centuries in five matches.
When the U16 invitations began, he again stumbled in the first three matches. Once again, Sourabh backed him without hesitation. The result was extraordinary. Pratik scored 253 runs in a single innings, an effort that made headlines and showcased his true potential.
For Pratik, receiving the JSF Award became a defining moment. It instilled confidence in him and reassured his family that cricket was not just a passion but a real pathway.
Mental conditioning sessions by Alex Varghese Sir played a significant role too, helping him develop clarity, calmness and a stronger competitive mindset.
In the JSF High Performance Program, he was encouraged to explore himself as an all rounder. Though he was earlier known mainly for his batting, JSF gave him consistent opportunities to bowl and soon he was recognized as a bowler as well.
One of the most impactful aspects of his journey has been the extra hours invested by Sourabh Dada. Many nights, practice went on until 2 am. Those hours, that personal investment, and that belief became the backbone of Pratik’s rise.
Today, his dream is to play the MPL and eventually represent India at the U19 World Cup.
His message to young players is simple.
“Give your best from your side. JSF and Trinity have everything you need to achieve what you dream of.”
Vishwajeet Jagtap A young fast bowler’s steady rise through belief and resilience:
Vishwajeet’s journey began in the third standard when his father took him to a cricket academy in Baramati. Years later, at the age of twelve, he joined Trinity through selection matches. That was the moment when he first met Sourabh Jagdale, who not only introduced him to the JSF environment but also became a consistent source of motivation.
Early on, Vishwajeet struggled in U14 matches. He was not taking wickets and self doubt had begun to surface. But every time the pressure grew, Sourabh stood beside him and asked him to keep playing, keep trying and keep learning from each spell. That belief changed everything. In the matches that followed, Vishwajeet picked up 29 wickets, an incredible turnaround that reflected both his skill and the support around him.
As an all rounder, he benefitted immensely from the consistent match exposure provided through Trinity and JSF games. The goal was clear. Prepare players to compete for MCA selections and give them an environment where they could grow under real match pressure.
When the day finally arrived and he learned that he had been selected for Maharashtra, the moment meant everything.
His father, who had introduced him to cricket years ago, stood proud knowing that the journey had been worth every sacrifice.
Vishwajeet’s long term dream is to play the 2028 World Cup, and in the immediate future, to give his absolute best in every opportunity he gets.
His message to young athletes is powerful.
“Keep your cricketing body language and mindset alive. It matters. And keep learning from mentors like Sourabh Dada because his guidance truly makes a difference.”
Both journeys share one truth. Talent grows when the environment is right.
For Pratik and Vishwajeet, this environment became the turning point that shaped their rise from raw potential to state level performers. Their success is a reflection of the vision set by Sourabh Jagdale and Group. A vision centered on discipline, opportunity, resilience and personal mentorship.
Message from Mr. Sourabh Jagdale
Speaking about Pratik and Vishwajeet, Mr. Sourabh Jagdale shared his thoughts with immense pride and clarity about their journey:
“These two boys are proof that dedication, discipline and consistency always find their way to success. Both Pratik and Vishwajeet have grown not only as cricketers but as individuals who understand the value of hard work and responsibility. What makes them stand out is their willingness to learn, to accept challenges and to bounce back whenever things get tough. Their mindset is what separates good players from great players.
At JSF and Trinity, our goal is to give players an environment where they can dream big and work for those dreams with the right support system. Pratik and Vishwajeet have used every opportunity with sincerity and hunger, and this selection is a result of their commitment. I believe they are just getting started. With the same attitude, both of them have the potential to rise much higher and make their families and the state proud.”