Fourteen-year-old Nivethan Radhakrishnan is a rare cricketing talent. At 8, Nivethan was called a boy wonder after he claimed a hat-trick in a TNCA fourth division league match in 2011 when he was just eight years. Six years later at 14 years, Nivethan, the ambidextrous spinner, is gearing up for his maiden TNPL stint with the Karaikudi Kaalai.
Nivethan, in those six years, wasn't plying in Chennai but in Australia raking up hundreds as an opener and claiming wickets - with his left-arm orthodox and off-spin in junior cricket for New South Wales (NSW). The southpaw's unbeaten 193 during a state match recently had even caught the attention of Aussie legends like Greg Chappell, Mark Waugh and Steve Waugh.
Nivethan's father Anbu Selvan, a former U-25 Tamil Nadu state cricketer, shifted to Australia in 2012. Despite being part of the NSW junior state team, Nivethan's heart was with Chennai, where he had begun playing. He was back playing TNCA lower division league earlier this year and had attended a trial with Kaalai. The Kaalai management backed the teenager during the draft and roped him in.
Nivethan was going through his training under coach Robin Singh at Chepauk. Looking lean and fit, Nivethan never looked out of place while facing the pacers and spinners. A little later, he turned up with the ball and bowled with both hands every alternate ball. "It's great to be back in Chennai. I didn't watch TNPL last year. However, now I'm in Chennai preparing for TNPL. I'm trying my best to adjust to the weather and the wickets here. But I'm confident of doing well," Nivethan said.
Nivethan, a ninth standard student in Sydney, is "unorthodox and unique" in every sense. He attempted left-arm spin when he was six years old. He can bowl right-arm pace, off-spin, left-arm spin and is an opening bat. He terms Sir Garfield Sobers as his role model. "I love Sachin's technique. But I want to emulate what Sir Garry did as a complete all-rounder. I love the West Indies team of his era. Right from a young age, I have been unorthodox be it batting or bowling. PC Prakash, assistant coach of Kaalai, believes Nivethan is capable of playing in the league of the big boys.
