TNPL 2016: When the crowd chanted ‘Nilesh, Nilesh’, it was the happiest moment of my life, says Subramanian
Ruby Kanchi Warriors registered a thrilling win over Lyca Kovai Kings at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on Friday. Wicketkeeper-batsman Nilesh Subramanian played a big role in the match, which ended in a Super Over.
A livewire on the field, Subramanian’s deadly accuracy resulted in two crucial run-outs — both direct hits — to swing the game in his team’s favour. He also top-scored with 49 runs off 42 balls and took a catch.
So what does the Man of the Match think of his performance? “I’m just taking it one match at a time. We had to field and back the bowlers. We actually got them out for a very low total.”
“Again, we lost early wickets initially; then, I realised that I have to bat through fifteen overs. I’ll have to make the hitters wait till the last five overs so that they can bat freely.”
Having started playing cricket at the age of 11, Subramanian represents Young Stars CC in the TNCA First Division League. Growing up, he idolised Adam Gilchrist. Playing in front of a packed crowd was special. “It was actually very interesting but that wasn’t on my mind.
When I was on 45, they started chanting ‘Nilesh, Nilesh’ and that was the happiest moment of my life,” he exclaims.
The difference between the two sides proved to be the fielding. Subramanian credits fielding coach PS Mohan for that. He explains, “He has been very helpful in teaching us direct hits, run-outs and catches. Special thanks to him. I was just doing my duty over there.”
Subramanian is looking forward to playing in Tirunelveli as well as Dindigul.
He says, “Personally, Tirunelveli has been my lucky ground for many years. So, I just hope that I perform really well there. Dindigul, well, it’s the first time I’m going to play there. Going by the match played there (on Thursday), it looks like a small ground. So, let’s see, it might be a high-scoring game.”