14-year old prodigy set to make TNPL debut

14-year old Nivethan Radhakrishnan will turn out for Karaikudi Kaalai in the forthcoming Tamil Nadu Premier League. He is the rarest of the rare talent who is an ambidextrous spinner besides being a top order batsman. In 2011, when he was only 8, he bagged a hattrick in a fourth division league game which brought him into prominence.

Nivethan’s father – Anbu Selvan – was a cricketer too, having represented Tamil Nadu at the U-25 level. Selvan had to shift base to Australia in 2012 but his son continued his cricket down under. He caught the eyes of Greg Chappell and the Waugh brothers and even had insightful conversations with Australia’s off-spinner Nathan Lyon. Nivethan, a natural right-hander, bowls off-spin and left arm spin with equal effectiveness.

The talented boy, a ninth grade student at the Homebush High School in Sydney, was back in Chennai this year and played in the lower division of the TNCA league. He appeared for the trials with Kalai and immediately impressed everyone with his “unique and unorthodox” talent.

Speaking to the TOI, Nivethan said that the key would be to adjust to the weather and conditions quickly. “It’s great to be back in Chennai.I didn’t watch TNPL last year. However, now I’m in Chennai preparing for TNPL. I’m trying my best to adjust to the weather and the wickets here. But I’m confident of doing well,” Nivethan told TOI.

An all-rounder in every sense, no wonder Nivethan idolises the great Sir Garfield Sobers. He also quoted that he was a fan of Sachin Tendulkar’s technique but always wanted to emulate Sobers.

“I love Sachin’s technique. But I want to emulate what Sir Garry did as a complete all-rounder. I love the West Indies team of his era. I have read almost 16 of his books and my game revolves around most of the techniques that I have read or through the videos I have watched of his. Right from a young age, I have been unorthodox be it batting or bowling.

“I hook often, my feet are in a tangle while I play. I don’t fall in the traditional Chennai style of batting. But I stick to my methods. I want to be adventurous. I can throw left-handed from 30-yards. My father is my coach and he has always let me be the natural cricketer that I am,” said Nivethan, whose elder brother Nikethan was a TN junior cricketer.

Assistant coach of Kaalai, PC Prakash, was pleased to see Nivethan’s ability in the nets. “When we saw him in the trials, we knew he had the talent.His attitude and approach were great. He looked capable,” said Prakash.

Nivethan will pursue his further education in Chennai so that he could concentrate on cricket as well. Going by the response of coaches, this Chennai boy is set to make waves in the cricketing circles for the years to come.

After the big success of TNPL in its opening season last year, the second season is set to begin from July 22 and will conclude on August 20.