SEMENYIH – Virat Kohli’s cricketing influence knows no bounds, stretching across borders and resonating 5,471km away in Malaysia.
In the heart of this cricket fervour is 12-year-old prodigy Nithesh Vigneswaran, who is not just playing the game but winning accolades, all while channelling his inspiration from the Indian cricket maestro.
Currently playing for his boyhood club, Cricket in the Park, under the tutelage of coach Jerome Fernandez, Nithesh recently clinched the Best Player Award in the under-12 category at the Malaysian Schools Sports Council (MSSM) Cricket Championships last October.
Speaking to Scoop, Nithesh believes that he will continue to progress in this sport through his hard work, much like his idol, and hopes to one day play for the national under-19 cricket team.
“Virat is my biggest inspiration. Through his personality, I have learned how to be disciplined during a match and take responsibility as team captain,” he said.
Nithesh’s cricket journey started on a whim, ignited by his admiration for Virat.
While cycling with his father at Taman Putra Prima in Puchong, he spotted a grandfather coaching his grandson in cricket techniques.
Excitement took over, and Nithesh promptly asked to join, marking the beginning of his cricketing voyage.
“Through strict training from my coach and my admiration for Virat, I gradually started picking up the game and ended up participating in the MSSM tournament as an import player from Sri Dasmesh International School, playing for Sekolah Kebangsaan Bukit Bandaraya.
“I’m not going to stop here, and I want to continue with my consistent performances and one day play at the state level and also for the national under-19 team,” said Nithesh at the Under-12 Pentangular Cricket Championship at the University of Nottingham Malaysia yesterday.
Virat is widely considered one of the greatest batsmen in cricket history and the premier player of the 21st century.
In 2020, the International Cricket Council honoured him as the male cricketer of the decade.
Additionally, he played a pivotal role in India’s victories at the 2011 Cricket World Cup and the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy.
Meanwhile, 12-year-old Kaelynn Aashiyana Fernandez Kumar, who also plays for Cricket in the Park and is the only female player in the team, said that the sport has instilled discipline in her athletic journey.
“I got interested in the sport at six because of my brother Tristan Aashish Fernandez Kumar and my grandfather. I always followed my brother to the pitch, learning a lot from him.
“I’m a versatile player and can play both batting and bowling, but I prefer bowling the most because I can find the wickets much better.
“I’m enjoying the moment, training, and playing cricket with my teammates. I hope I can one day play for the state like my brother.
“This sport has shaped me to be a brave and disciplined person, always looking at things from a rational perspective without being emotional.
“With my brother’s guidance, I believe I can reach great heights like him in the years to come,” said Kaelynn.
Kaelynn’s brother Tristan has recently been selected for the 25-player squad in the second phase of training for Kuala Lumpur, ahead of the upcoming Malaysia Games (Sukma) in August.
The 21st edition of Sukma is scheduled from August 17 to 24, with Sarawak hosting the prestigious event for the third time, the last two times being in 1990 and 2016. – January 22, 2024
 Cricket Championships last October. ){kind=link}