Hyderabad's B Anirudh to play for Tamil Nadu in the upcoming domestic season

Balchander Anirudh Sita Ram, the Tamil Nadu born Hyderabad cricketer is set to return to his home state for the upcoming 2017/18 domestic season. The 22-year-old submitted the NOC certificate from his current state board, the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) for a transfer to the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) on Monday.

Though Anirudh’s family hails from Chennai, his cricket career began in Hyderabad when he arrived in the city. His parents changed bases between Hyderabad and Chennai to help their son pursue a career in the sport. The Chennai born player bagged the BCCI Under-19 player award in 2013/14 having scored 908 runs for Hyderabad in just seven games in the Cooch Behar Trophy.

Last minute transfer

“Due to certain circumstances and personal reasons, I decided to take the chance. I spoke to a few TNCA officials and they gave me a positive feedback when I told them about my interest in moving to TN. I hope for the best,” said Anirudh about his transfer to Times of India.

“I discussed with Bharath Reddy sir (Chemplast). I know I need to perform well in the Buchi Babu to stand a chance. But at 22, this was the best chance to take that risk. I’m open to batting at any position. It’s a pride to play for TN, if I get a chance. Though I had played close to 10 years in Hyderabad, TN always remains home,” the youngster added.

Anirudh made a last minute transfer to Tamil Nadu as 31st August is the deadline for the player transfers of the 2017/18 season. He will be representing the TNCA City XI team in the All India Buchi Babu Invitational Tournament starting from this Saturday. The southpaw plays for the Lyca Kovai Kings franchise in the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL).

He played a crucial role in Hyderabad team’s success in the Ranji Trophy 2016/17 where they qualified to the quarter-finals stage for the first time in five years. Anirudh was the 2nd highest run-getter for the team scoring 549 runs in eight games at an average of 49.91 with best of 120* and three fifties. In the quarters against Mumbai, he scored an unbeaten 84 battling out with the tail-enders during their 232-run chase but fell short of the target by 31 runs.