Chennai: It is known to all that cricketer and Chennai Super Kings captain M S Dhoni is called ‘Captain Cool’. This youth, S Adithya Geethan, a class XII student, residing at Nesapakkam in the city seems to be a ‘bowler cool’.
The young lad, who was part of Junior Super Kings coolly picked up nine wickets in nine matches played in Yorkshire (UK) recently.
Though he knows that it is going to help him in his cricketing career – he wants to play for India – he underplays it. This was the remarkable characteristic of Adithya when ‘News Today’ had a chat with him.
Excerpts from the interview:
Q: How did you make to it to the team?
A: I played for TN Under-16 and took nine wickets from four matches. Later, I was selected for Under 16 South Zone and was undergoing training at Vayanad from 20 May to 12 June.
My mother, Dr Kiruthigaa, medical officer, Greater Chennai Corporation, called me and informed that she received a call from CSK management stating that I have been selected for the international tournament.
Q. How was the preparation?
A: This was my first trip abroad. Indian Cements arranged the passport and visa within a week. Of the 16 team members, 12 of us are from Chennai.
We underwent training at India Piston Ground under coaches Louis Mariano and former Tamilnadu captain S Sharath. Our mentor was CSK batsman Ambati Rayudu and we left for the UK on 5 July.
Q: Tell us about the tournament
A: We played T20 and 50-over competitions in the second edition of the Pro Coach Yorkshire Cricket Academy Under-17 international tournament held in Yorkshire.
Teams from Australia and the United States, apart from the host, took part in the competitions. In T-20 finals, we beat Australia and in 50 overs match, we won against the US. As a fast bowler, I played nine matches and took nine wickets.
Q: About your mentor Ambati Rayudu
A: He gave us tips during each game and motivated us individually. This led us to win 10 of 11 matches played in the fortnight-long tour.
Q: How did your passion for cricket begin?
A: When I was 10 years old, I used to play cricket on our terrace with my brother and his friends. Later, I joined Budding Stars Cricket Academy, Valasaravakkam. It was my brother Udhay Geethan, who asked me to focus on fast bowling as I was good in it.
With support from my family, especially my grandfather S S Muragavel, I joined Future Star Cricket Academy, Kodambakkam, and presently with Kedar Cricket Academy, T Nagar.
Q: How do you balance studies and cricket?
A: After completing SSLC at Chinmaya Vidyalaya, I joined Don Bosco at Egmore, where the instution has best coaching for cricket. I took Commerce group and allotted one hour daily for studies.
During weekdays, I would undergo training in the school and, during weekends at Kedar Cricket Academy.
Adithya’s father, K Selvakumar, is a businessman. Adithya stays at 22/22, Vidya Apartment – Phase II, Bazaar Street, Nesapakkam. Ph: 96000 23172.