Mumbai: IPS officer Manoj Kumar Sharma (2005: MH), whose journey from failing his Class 12 examinations to joining the Indian Police Service inspired the film 12th Fail, recently took his story to the Mumbai cricket dressing room.
Along with his wife, IRS officer Shraddha Joshi Sharma (IRS: 2005), he interacted with Mumbai’s cricketers and support staff for more than an hour at the Wankhede Stadium. The session was organised by the Mumbai Cricket Association (MCA) a few days before the start of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
The interaction focused on perseverance, overcoming personal and professional challenges, staying grounded after success and remaining committed to long-term goals.
MCA Organises Motivational Session for Mumbai Cricketers
The MCA organised the session as part of its off-field activities during the domestic cricket calendar. The objective was to introduce players to an inspiring personality from outside the sporting world and help them relate his experiences to their own professional journeys.
MCA president Ajinkya Naik said the association wanted players and support staff to learn how to overcome obstacles and remain committed to their ambitions despite difficult circumstances.
He explained that Manoj and Shraddha were invited to share their experiences and offer perspectives on pursuing goals through determination and consistent effort.
The session was attended by several members of Mumbai’s cricket setup, including India T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav, Sarfaraz Khan, Shardul Thakur and Musheer Khan.
What Manoj Sharma Told the Players
During the interaction, Manoj Sharma spoke about the importance of remaining humble after achieving success and maintaining composure during difficult phases.
His experiences highlighted how setbacks and adverse circumstances need not determine the outcome of a person’s journey. He encouraged the players to stay focused on their goals and continue working towards them without allowing success or failure to change their approach to life.
The discussion also addressed the importance of maintaining relationships and staying connected to people who supported them during their struggles.
Shraddha Joshi’s Message on Sacrifice and Success
IRS officer Shraddha Joshi Sharma also shared her perspective on achieving professional goals.
Her message particularly resonated with Mumbai batter Musheer Khan, who recalled her observation that success requires considerable sacrifice and sustained effort.
Musheer said the session was enjoyable and inspiring, adding that the couple’s experiences offered valuable lessons beyond the cricket field.
He also highlighted Manoj’s advice on remaining humble and not changing one’s behaviour towards people who had been part of one’s journey before achieving success.
Who Is IPS Officer Manoj Kumar Sharma?
Manoj Kumar Sharma is a 2005-batch IPS officer of the Maharashtra cadre. His personal journey became widely known after filmmaker Vidhu Vinod Chopra adapted his struggles and eventual success into the 2023 Hindi film 12th Fail, starring Vikrant Massey.
The film is based on the book Twelfth Fail by Anurag Pathak and portrays Sharma’s determination to overcome academic setbacks and financial difficulties while preparing for the Civil Services Examination.
He has served in Mumbai Police, including as Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone I) and Additional Commissioner of Police, Western Region. He has also served on deputation with the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF).
Sharma’s appointment as Joint Commissioner of Police (Law and Order), Mumbai, was reported in May 2026.
Shraddha Joshi Sharma: An IRS Officer
Manoj Sharma’s wife, Shraddha Joshi Sharma, is an Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer. Her own civil services journey and support during Sharma’s preparation years also form part of the story portrayed in 12th Fail.
She has previously served as a Deputy Collector in Uttarakhand before joining the IRS.
At the Mumbai cricket interaction, she spoke about the sacrifices involved in pursuing ambitions, reinforcing the importance of discipline and sustained effort.
MCA Records the Session for a Documentary
The MCA also filmed the interaction for an upcoming documentary.
The initiative was part of the association’s efforts to organise activities beyond regular cricket training and competition, bringing players into contact with people whose experiences could offer lessons applicable to their sporting careers.
With the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy approaching, the session gave Mumbai’s players an opportunity to reflect on the role of perseverance, discipline and humility in pursuing success.
