Chennai: In what has brought pride to T Nagar in the city, around 12 of its students are taking part in the prestigious Tamilnadu Premier League (TNPL) cricket tournament that is currently underway.
The youngsters were trained at the Kedar Cricket Academy functioning at Ramakrishna Mission School, in the locality it is learnt.
According to a press release, S Arvind, Akshay Srinivasan, Sasidev, Meenakshi alias Harish, R Vishal, V Aditya, Shahrukhan, NS Chaturved, Nilesh Subramaniam, Marutiraghav, S Tarun and Siddarth are representing teams like Chepauk Super Gillies, Karakudi Kaalai and Dindigul Dragon in the current year.
Speaking on this, S Kedarnath, former cricketer-cum-coach and founder of the academy, said, “Cricket is a game where opportunity to play is important for every player and we are particular in making each of our student to play in various tournaments.”
“I started the academy in 1999 at T Nagar, after which several youngsters who were coached here went on to play in various platforms like TNCA league and State-level tournaments like TNPL,” he added.
While he refers the academy’s fast bowlers to former India player TA Sekar, spinner VV Kumar who is his colleague, helps him to motivate budding cricketers.
“Ranji trophy bowler B Kalyanasundaram also assists and gives tips on the ground,” he stated.
It may be noted that popular slow-bowler Murali Karthik and Indian U-19 player S Ramesh were from this centre.
On the present bunch of players who are playing for TNPL, Kedarnath said, “Their experience will be of help to other youngsters at the academy. These players had also excelled with their exceptional talents in various other tournaments held earlier.”
Also, the academy is said to be providing training to youth from rural areas who are interested in the game and helps them develop them into full-fledged cricketers.
“There are unsung heroes in this game. Now, with the support of this centre and its well-wishers, I am coaching talented yet unidentified players, irrespective of their financial backgrounds,” he concluded.
Kedarnath can be reached at 98840 66767.