B Indrajith belongs to the big boys’ club

[rkt.india]

A byword for consistency, B Indrajith has been under the radar of Tamil Nadu Ranji Trophy selectors for the last two seasons. The 19-year-old’s string of match-winning knocks in the ongoing Buchi Babu all-India cricket tournament have given enough proof that he belongs to the big boys’ club, if the selectors hadn’t already been convinced. Those who watched the knock of Indrajith against Baroda in the final league match at Guru Nanak College were awe-struck as he blasted an unbeaten 96 including five big sixes to guide TNCA President’s XI to a facile win. He has scored 227 runs in three matches and was dismissed just once in the all-India tournament. Even as a Ranji call-up looks inevitable, Indrajith feels it’s imperative to score more runs in the remaining matches of Buchi Babu. “I am not going to sit on my laurels. The tournament is into the knockout stage and I would like to continue in the same vein. After this, I’m looking forward to be a part of the squad for MoinUd-Dowla tournament in Hyderabad. If I continue to score runs, I don’t need to worry about Ranji selection,†said Indrajith. The elder of identical twins — only 26 minutes separated Indrajith and Aparajith — Indrajith showed more promise than his brother leading the state teams in age-group categories. But it was Aparajith who made a mark at the U-19 World Cup last year. Indrajith relished Aparajith’s success, even though his failure to make it to the team rankled him. “I was upset at missing out on selection despite being in the probables' list. My parents were more stressed because they didn't know how to react to the selection news. It was a bittersweet moment for them,“ said Indrajith, a middle-order batsman who also bowls leg-spin. Having a twin brother in the same profession, the same profession, according to Indrajith, has its share of advantages and disadvantages. “It's good to have a partner for training and measuring your self against. But people always compare our career graphs. We have no egos and enjoy each other's success. Whenever Apar shared his experience of rubbing his experience of rubbing shoulders with Dhoni and Mike Hussey, I was happy for him. But, somewhere in my mind, I rued the missed oportunities. It really made me more determined,“ added Indrajith, a second year commerce student of Guru Nanak College. At a young age, Indrajith took to captaincy like a duck to water. He led the state U-13 team when he was just 11 and went on to captain the U-16 side in a BCCI tournament at 14. “I have always enjoyed leading a side. I think the added responsibility brings the best out of me,“ added Indrajith, who has led the Tamil Nadu U-19 team to back-to-back titles in south zone. Sunil Subramaniam, who coached the Indrajith-led state U19 team to the top of south zone, says the youngster exhibited admirable leadership qualities. “His calm demeanor in approaching tough situations reflected in team's performances. A coach could bank on him when the chips were down,“ added the former Ranji player. Last year, Indrajith served notice of his talent with a crucial half-century against a strong Delhi bowling in the Moin-udDawla final. He impressed every one with the way he batted against the likes of Ishant Sharma and Pradeep Sangwan. Indrajith, however, picks an unbeaten knock against Mumbai during the quarterfinals of the 2012 Cooch Behar tro phy as special. “We were chasing Mumbai's massive first innings total of 535. I hung in facing about 300 balls to make an unbeaten 163, but couldn't save the team from con ceding first innings lead. I also took four wickets four wickets in the first innings,“ s a i d Indrajith, w h o wants to be a batting all-rounder. Over the years, a lot of coaches have worked with Indrajith. He learnt the basics under Srikkanth and also trained under Bala Prasad, T.E. Srinivasan and Suresh Kumar, before his current coach S. Balaji. “In the last couple of years, Mr Balaji has been instrumental in improving my batting. I had a bad patch dur ing my Vijay CC stint and when I moved to U F C C , coaches Madana Gopal and S.Sharath helped me overcome it,“ he said.

http://www.deccanchronicle.com/130824/sports-cricket/article/b-indrajith-belongs-big-boys%E2%80%99-club

B. Indrajith is happening this season. He has made a truck-load of runs, and done so with methods that are pleasing. Although these are early days in his journey, the signs are promising. He uses his feet, pierces the field and finds fence on both sides of the wicket. He is a stroke-maker yet the unhurried charm in his batting is hard to miss. Indrajith is secure in defence, particularly off his back-foot, which is a healthy attribute in a young batsman. His batsmanship stems from strong fundamentals. Indeed, there is substance in this 19-year-old right-hander. He is calm and quiet, lets his bat do the talking. Focus and determination are his allies. Such was his run of scores in the all-India Buchi Babu tournament — he came up with innings of 40 not out, 91, 96 not out, 95, 165 (semi-finals) and 87 (finals) — that Indrajith appears to have sealed a berth in the Tamil Nadu Ranji middle-order for the upcoming season. Asked about a quality which he believes has helped him the most so far, Indrajith replies, “I think I read the game and the situation well.†The rise of Indrajith with his twin brother Aparajith is a fascinating story in itself. Indrajith is 26 minutes older than Aparajith and the two have played the game together from the age of four. Guided by their father R.N. Baba, the two have climbed the rungs diligently. Says Indrajith, “He (Baba) was always very enthusiastic about our cricket. He advised us till we were around 16. Then, he encouraged us to be independent, and would chip in occasionally on the importance of a strong mind.†Aparajith, a talented batsman who can send down useful off-spin, found recognition earlier by being a prominent member of the India under-19 team that triumphed in the World Cup Down Under in 2012, made the Tamil Nadu XI in Ranji Trophy, and was picked for India A. Indrajith is emphatic there is no sibling rivalry. “When he made it before me, I was very happy for him. At the same time, he had set a benchmark for me and I was confident I would get there too. We keep motivating each other.†In fact, Indrajith recalls encouraging Aparajith during the under-19 World Cup in Australia. “He would call me up every day.†The two of them have worked on their fielding. Both are excellent all-round fielders. Aparajith has developed his off-spin and Indrajith wants to do the same with his leg-spin. “I think my leg-spin would provide my side another option and give me an edge as a cricketer.†Indrajith, who turns out for Grand Slam in the TNCA first division league, says he often introspects. “I made 574 runs in six innings in the Buchi Babu tournament, but I should have scored more hundreds, gone on to bigger scores.†This second year B.Com student from Guru Nanak College has three batting idols. “I admire Sachin Tendulkar for his ability, Rahul Dravid for his work ethics and Steve Waugh for his strength of mind.†The batsman with dexterous wrists looks forward to the day he walks out for the Tamil Nadu Ranji side with Aparajith. “That would be a dream come true,†Indrajith exclaims.

http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/chen-sports/an-impressive-run/article5141674.ece

[Sidhoni]

Twins! Interesting.

[gakgupta]

Did twins played for india at all.....as a matter of fact, did any twin brothers played international cricket in the cricket history. I heard somewhere mark and steve waugh are twins but they doesn't look like

[Old guy]

Did twins played for india at all.....as a matter of fact' date=' did any twin brothers played international cricket in the cricket history. I heard somewhere mark and steve waugh are twins but they doesn't look like[/quote'] the marshall brothers for new zealand come to mind

[cowboysfan]

so TN picked the younger less talented twin?something doesnt add up.

[Old guy]

so TN picked the younger less talented twin?something doesnt add up.

younger by 26 minutes

[fineleg]

Yes, i have heard from some people in the know that Baba Indrajith is actually a good player. Unsure why Indrajith is not getting the chances that Aprajith is given. Anyhow hope BI also given a chance in TN squad