Thiyagu lands IPL deal with Banglore

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Little known S. Thiyagarajan who turns out for Parrys Sports Club in the second division league has landed a one-year IPL contract with Royal Challengers Bangalore.

At a time where youngsters talk about Ranji Trophy and duration cricket but silently yearn for a T20 deal, Thiyagarajan’s attitude is refreshing. All that he wanted was to make the IPL and a year of dedicated effort has not failed him.

“I am going to be honest here. I did not look at a Ranji cap nor did I train my thoughts on three-day matches (senior division). All that I wanted was an IPL contract and I am happy to have got one. Receiving that news from RCB was the happiest moment of my life,” said Thiyagu.

The 27-year-old took a conscious decision two seasons back where he decided that limited overs cricket is the only way forward for his career. “After playing six seasons in the senior division, I decided to shift to 50-overs cricket to improve my ball striking skills.

There is a certain responsibility you carry when playing in three or four day matches. I thought it curbed my attacking style,” explained Thiyagu.

A handy medium pacer and an opener who can give the ball a fair thwack, the Chennai resident is cut out for the shortest format. RCB coach Ray Jennings and chief mentor Anil Kumble realised this quickly. “There were many encouraging words from both of them.

Jennings made it clear that I must continue with my natural style. He also said that I have a yard of extra pace that I must work on maintaining. The selection process itself was an interesting experience,” said the all-rounder.

In five selection matches in Bangalore, Thiyagu returned unbeaten in four while totalling 161 runs. “In the first match I was sent in to face the last ball.

Six runs were required and I only managed a boundary but from the next game I was promoted to open and that move gave me a lot of confidence.” The aspirant was so overawed by seeing so many first-class and India A players along with him for selection but understood he had nothing to lose and gave it his best shot.

“I had taken a big risk. I gave myself one last chance to get something meaningful. The only option for me was to start some business next year if I had failed to get a contract. I have to thank my family for standing by me during these testing times.

They encouraged me to the hilt and I had to achieve something at least for them and the sacrifices they had made,” said Thiyagu.

Brother S. Dinesh Kumar is also a cricketer who is currently employed with TI Cycles. “I come from a middle class background. My father is an engineer who works in a private firm while my mother is a homemaker. I owe this to them,” said Thiyagu.

The IPL star in the making is also thankful to his coach Srikkanth, RCB’s video analyst Prasanna and trainer Basu. “They have all played a substantial role in my career and without their support and guidance the IPL contract would not have happened,’ concluded Thiyagu.