Globe Trotters’ batsman Radhakrishnan hopes to make it count in TNCA First Division League final

Radhakrishnan scored an unbeaten double century against Nelson SC in the league phase and just a week before accomplishing that feat, he scored a priceless century against Young Stars.

These two innings helped him establish his spot at number four in the batting order. Asked if he is uptight ahead of the final, the lad from Coimbatore said having had a taste of playing in a summit clash before will keep him in the right frame of mind.

“I was a part of the Trotters team that played against Jolly Rovers in the VA Parthasarathy one-day tournament final last season. Although we ended up losing that match, it taught me a few valuable lessons in how to prepare for a big game.

As for the match against Grand Slam, there is bound to be a few nerves. But our team has done consistently well and we have earned our spot in the final on the back of playing some good, hard cricket. It promises to be an interesting match,” said the 18-year-old.

Radhakrishnan praised the leadership qualities of the fellow 18-year-old MS Washington Sundar.

“We are all happy that he has been picked by the national team at such a young age. And more importantly he has done exceedingly well and showed what he is capable of in the Nidahas Cup T20I series recently.

Although he has achieved a lot at a young age, he is an unassuming person and is always

ready to offer suggestions to the other players. He is a perfect team man,” added Radhakrishnan.

Another individual to have made a profound impact on this budding talent is the coach of Trotters, M Senthilnathan.

“Senthil sir is the reason why we qualified for the final. He reads the situation astutely and is meticulous in his planning and preparation.

His attention to detail comes in handy as he rectifies our flaws there and then without leaving it for the next day,” explained Radhakrishnan.

Radhakrishnan was a part of the India U-19 team that toured England last July.

Asked if he was upset at not being picked for the U-19 World Cup in New Zealand, he spoke with a refreshing candour saying that he didn’t merit a place in the team.

“The England tour was a great learning experience. Unfortunately, I had to miss most

of the matches because of an injury. I had the good fortune of being alongside most members of the victorious U-19 WC squad.

As for me not getting picked for the WC, it was expected as I did nothing of note for my state U-19 team. There is definitely a sense of disappointment at missing such an important event, but as a sportsman one has to overcome such a testing phase and look to the future,” he remarked.