Alexander making rapid strides

Looks like Tamil Nadu is spoilt for choice when it comes to promising left-arm spinners vying with one another in hogging the limelight. Taking a cue from the lanky R Sai Kishore and the stocky DT Chandrasekar, CromBest’s Alexander is among the list of highest wicket-takers in the ongoing TNCA First Division league.

At the completion of the league phase, the 22-year-old has picked up 15 wickets including a six-wicket haul followed by two four-wicket bursts. Alexander is coming off a memorable outing in season two of the TNPL that saw him take 10 wickets and was a vital component in his team Chepauk Super Gillies dethroning Albert Tuti Patriots in the final.

Ask him who his role models are and the answer is out in a jiffy and on predictable lines, too — R Ashwin and Daniel Vettori. “Although I haven’t got the opportunity to meet Ashwin, I picked up the

art of bowling carom ball by observing him on television. It was by using that delivery that I once took six wickets early in my career for AG’s Office against Aruna CC. I had the chance to play against Ashwin in the First Division when I was playing for Nelson CC. I remember that match vividly as I took nine wickets and bowled my team to victory,” recalled Alexander.

Alexander can’t stop beaming when asked about Super Gillies’ trophy-winning run at this year’s TNPL. “A lot of planning went into our final. We lost all the matches to them before the summit clash and the pressure was on us to deliver. We were glad that we could halt their run in the match that mattered the most and also avenge our loss in the final to them last year,” said Alexander. His performances didn’t go unnoticed as Alexander was included in the TNCA City XI in the Buchi Babu tournament. “It’s good to see that my hard work has been recognised. But I know it will not be easy to break into the TN Ranji probables squad. If I carry forward this form, I hope that I will receive a call-up,” remarked Alexander.