This MBA student, who has been breathing cricket all his life, got a chance of his lifetime, when he was roped in to play for Ruby Kanchi Warriors, in the first edition of TNPL. Through this tournament, Nilesh Subramanian, a student from SRM University, not only got the chance to play in front of a massive crowd, but also the opportunity to get mentored by Australian bowling legend Brett Lee.
After coming through the ranks as a young cricketer, the chemical engineering graduate from SSN College of Engineering, hopes to get into the Tamil Nadu Ranji Trophy team and dreams of representing the national team one day. The talented southpaw speaks to DC on his cricketing journey so far.
“My life has always revolved around cricket. And, I have always been told that as a kid, a bat and a ball used to make my day!” starts Nilesh, adding, “Considering the passion I have towards this sport, my parents helped me get a formal training from the age of seven. Throughout my journey, my family, my coaches and friends have played a vital role.”
Elaborating on how he came through the ranks as a youngster, he reveals, “I started playing matches for my school and made my way up to the state teams, under various age groups, through my district, Thiruvallur.” After impressive performances in various age categories, Nilesh got a chance to play for the Jolly Rovers, which he says, helped him evolve as a cricketer. “Getting a chance to play for Jolly Rovers in the first division at the age of 17, was a turning point in my career. And, I can never forget my first double century I scored for them. Further, my performances in the first division matches, paved the way for me getting into Buchi Babu and Moin-ud-daula tournaments,” he asserts.
Speaking about the opportunity to represent Ruby Kanchi Warriors in TNPL that changed his life, he excitedly remarks that it was a dream-come-true as he was under the spotlight with millions watching — “On a personal note, I’m happy with the way I played, but a little disappointed as I was not able to make my entry into big ones. But, playing under lights in front of massive crowds was an amazing feeling and it helped me focus more on the game.”
The MBA student also mentions that the guidance from Brett Lee, who was also the mentor, was really helpful apart from the valuable inputs he got from former international stars like Scott Styris and Matthew Hayden.
Sharing with us on what he considers are his best attributes, Nilesh, who idolised Adam Gilchrist as a youngster, reveals, “My approach towards the game is to take one ball at a time. I know my strength lies in relying on timing the ball well and I try to work on that. I am quick between the wickets and I am confident on rotating the strike and keeping the scoreboard ticking.”
On a concluding note, the 23-year-old lists his ambitious goals for the future. “My immediate aim is to play for Tamil Nadu for the Ranji trophy. In future, I aspire to play for my country someday, just like any other cricketer!” he signs off.
