Koushik Jagatheesan
22, All Rounder, Ruby Trichy Warriors
Has played for Tamil Nadu in Ranji Trophy, Vijay Hazare Trophy, Deodhar trophy
Awarded Tamil Nadu Cricketer of the Year 2015-2016.
Beginnings
My family does not have a cricketing background but I was always fascinated by it. I never missed watching a match. I started playing at the age of 10 and, in my 10th std, decided that cricket was to be my profession. I made sure I did well academically too.
Coimbatore’s role in growth
It all started here. I started playing for the Coimbatore District Cricket Association as a 10-year-old. That was my stepping stone. The city has supported me in my growth.
Sports hero
Virat Kohli. His kind of dedication is hard to find. His aggression, fitness and attitude towards the game make him my favourite. I think he is a complete sports package.
Impression of the women’s cricket team
Extraordinary. I especially like Harmanpreet Kaur’s perfect finishes.
Experience of the TNPL
The biggest lesson I learnt is how to play under the lights in front of such a big crowd. Concentration is the key factor. The crowd always gives me an adrenaline rush but, once in the game, I am completely lost. I won’t see the crowd or hear the sound.
Other games played
Football
Hari Nishaanth
20, left hand opening batsman and right arm off spinner, VB Thiruvalluvar Veerans
Participated in Under-19 South Zone tournament; Under 16 South Zone tournament; Buchi Babu tournament; Included in the probable list of TN senior one-day international.
Beginnings
I have been playing cricket from std II. My father is a PT master in a government school. He played cricket too but couldn’t make it big. So he encouraged me.
Coimbatore’s role in growth
I started playing for Coimbatore when I was 12, so my professional cricket career started here. I am grateful to the city for nurturing me.
Sports hero
Sourav Ganguly, especially since he is also a left-handed batsman. He is also very aggressive. I also like Suresh Raina for his batting style, Yuvaraj Sing for his passion towards the game. One does not need a reason to love M.S Dhoni. I hope to play with him some day.
Impression of the women’s cricket team
I don’t think they are getting the encouragement they deserve.
Experience of the TNPL
This is my second year in the same team. Initially I struggled a lot and lacked confidence. We even lost a game last year because of me. But it was also a crucial year. I learnt a lot. I understood what to do and what not to do. I learnt about things other than cricket: how to react, how to keep my cool. Now I am confident and know where I stand.
Other games played
Volleyball
Gowtham Thamarai Kannan
22, fast bowler, Lyka Kovai Kings
Played in Coimbatore district Under-19, Under-23 and Under-25; Tamil Nadu Under-23 and Under-25
Beginnings
I initially started playing as an excuse to bunk maths class. But I started playing it professionally only five years ago.
Coimbatore’s role in growth
My talent was recognised initially by coaches in Coimbatore. It is only because of them I am here now.
Sports hero
My sports hero is Vijay Kumar, a local player from Coimbatore. He is my inspiration. I learnt the tricks of fielding from him.
Impression of the women’s cricket team
They are a group of highly talented players. I especially like Mithali Raj and Jhulan Goswami.
Experience of the TNPL
For me, this is the next level. It’s different when we know that the entire world is watching. TNPL has helped me grow as a cricketer. Since we are always monitored by our coaches, we understand our mistakes. Initially I used to think speed was everything. Now I know better.
Other games played
Volleyball
R. Aushik Srinivas
24, Left Arm Spinner, Albert Tuti Patriots
Played in Ranji Trophy Duleep Trophy World Cup probable in 2009-2010 Under 23 probable for Asia Cup 2013-2014
Beginnings
I started playing cricket when I was 8. My school was 10 km away from home. So while waiting for my mother to pick me up after school, I joined the kids playing on the ground and it became a practice.
Coimbatore’s role in growth
I believe the city has a number of people who have the knack of identifying sports talents. I think the weather is also an advantage. Since its mostly pleasant, I am able to train under the sun for a longer time.
Sports hero
I like Ravichandran Ashwin and footballers Thierry Henry and Mesut Ozil
Impression of the women’s cricket team
I think they had a great run in the world tournament. They have influenced a lot of youngsters to take up cricket as a profession.
Experience of the TNPL
I think I improved on my fitness level and concentration.
Other games played
Football
N. Jagadeesan
21, wicket keeper and batsman, Dindigul Dragons
Major achievements
Played in Ranji Trophy Vijay Hazare Tournament Under 13, Under 14, Under 16, Under 19,Under 23 and Under 25
Beginnings
My dad himself was a cricketer. He put me in a cricket academy when I was eight.
Coimbatore’s role in growth
I started by playing for the Coimbatore District Sports Council. Coimbatore is the root.
Sports hero
I like Virat Kohli for his aggression. I also like Usain Bolt.
Impression of the women’s cricket team
They have done a great job. I think men’s cricket was shadowing women’s cricket till now. It is going to change.
Experience of the TNPL
I am working really hard for the game. I am now concentrating a lot on my fitness and mental strength.
Other games played
Golf and football.
Sports infrastructure in Coimbatore
According to most of them, the existing sports infrastructure of the city is good. They said that the only facility lacking is a turf wicket. ( The city currently has only matting wicket).
Future Dream
While those of whom who haven’t yet played for the Ranji trophy wish to do so and eventually for the Indian cricket team.
