U-23 cricket | Andre Siddarth backs Tamil Nadu team to extend its dominance

The Tamil Nadu u-23 team just cannot stop clinching titles. Having achieved a double in the previous season, it added a trophy to its cabinet after defeating Rest of India u-23 in a match that mirrored the Irani Cup.

C. Andre Siddarth, who led the State to its latest triumph on Sunday, believes the current crop is capable of extending its dominance. “They have experience... the way they won the tournaments last year speaks for itself. They are good enough to win the tournaments again,” said Andre, proudly sporting a victor’s medal around his neck.

The u-23 unit will begin its Col. C.K. Nayudu Trophy defence in a home game against Saurashtra in Dindigul later this month. With Andre becoming a mainstay in the senior red-ball set-up, the age-group side will be led by all-rounder S. Mohamed Ali. “These guys are too good to be honest. I have been playing with them since my u-12 days. They know what they need to do... these aren’t guys who need to be told what is expected of them,” Andre added.

For RoI opener Angkrish Raghuvanshi, it was about getting back in the groove.

The Mumbai lad had been out of action for three months with a finger injury, but he is now finding his feet again. The double century against TN u-23 was a massive confidence booster. “I am playing [competitive cricket] after a long time and my knock gave me clarity. The middle of the pitch is my happy place,” said Raghuvanshi.

“I tried to bat as long as I could. It was a satisfying experience because every batter dreams of hitting big hundreds. It was a good day for me, but it would have been better had we won the match,” he added.