City kids in awe of Tirupur’s run machine

The first impression that one gained on visiting the St John’s Sports Coaching Academy (SJSCA) in Marredpally was that it was hosting a cricket match, which is pretty normal during the summer holidays. However, when one decided to watch the match, it marked an experience in itself. On the face of it, the Academy played a four-game series against the visiting Tirupur School of Cricket (TSC) for the Friendship Cup.

The eventual outcome where the two teams shared honours (2-2) did not actually matter when one considers the dexterity of the visiting team’s teenaged batting sensation and the cynosure of all eyes, the seniors in particular. The name Pradosh Ranjan Paul may not a ring in familiarity beyond Tamil Nadu, at least not as yet, but he is gradually emerging as a prolific run-getter and a ‘bundle of talent’, on whom his home State is pinning several hopes.

After all, he comes with an envious recognition-Ranjan Paul was decorated with the best junior cricketer of the 2014-2015 season honours by the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA). The Subbiah Central School, Tirupur student’s performances with the bat are truly awe-inspiring and come as a whiff of fresh air for the State, points out Ramesh Kumar, his coach who has seen the talent blossom to the levels it has.

The prowess of the southpaw opener are getting due recognition considering that although he was playing in the Under-14 fixtures he became integral to the Under-16 State team. According to TNCA officials, he will be the toast of the nation if he can sustain the form and temperament. His cavalier approach and the big runs he notched up almost at regular intervals came to the fore in the Friendship Cup series where Ranjan Paul amassed a phenomenal 349 runs in four matches. He simply lorded over the others during the series.

A bigger plus has been the consistency with which he strikes form not just at the local inter-school level but also while turning up for Tamil Nadu in South Zone tournaments. Rewarded with the captaincy he has led from the front and his knocks speak for themselves-230 not out against Hyderabad; 22 against Kerala; 87 vs Karnataka; 200 not out against Goa and 232 not out against Andhra. K John Manoj and his deputy at the SJSCA, Srinivas, see a ‘a bright future for the lad particularly because he is a left-handed opener.’

The biggest surprise comes from the boy himself. If one compares his big knocks with the childhood exploits of Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar and Vinod Kambli, it is on expected lines. At a time when most rising batting talents would name the former as his childhood hero, Ranjan Paul has his own inspirational; role-model. Guess what” It is VVS Laxman, whom he admires most!

By Sridhar K Penna