Bowling with both hands, India-born Nivethan Radhakrishnan to play for Australia in U19 WC

New Delhi: Nineteen-year-old Indian-origin cricketer Nivethan Radhakrishnan has been selected to play for Australia in the 2022 ICC Under-19 World Cup.

He is one of two India-born players – the other being 17-year-old Harkeerat Bajwa – in Australia’s U19 World Cup squad, which will play against West Indies in the first match of the tournament in Guyana on 14 January 2022. Both teenagers have also played for the under-16 team of Australia.

Radhakrishnan, who moved to Sydney from India in 2013, is Only known bisexual cricketer in Australia. Prior to this, he was a part of the Indian Premier League as a net bowler for Delhi Capitals.

Bisexual bowlers from Dindigul

Born in Tamil Nadu’s Dindigul district, Radhakrishnan’s family immigrated to Australia in 2013 when he was 10 years old. His father, Anbu Selvan, is a former junior Tamil Nadu cricketer who later managed teams in the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) league.

Radhakrishnan played for the Australian Under-16 team against Pakistan in 2019 in Dubai, where he was highest wicket taker In ODIs, with seven strikes in four matches.

He was a part of Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) season in 2017 and 2018 squads Like Karaikudi Kalai and Dindigul Dragons. Although he did not play any TNPL match, he has played in many other TNCA tournaments.

in one Interview In June this year, with the website Cricket.com.au, the young spinner said, “I have seen Ricky Ponting batting with me! Oh my god – this is the pinnacle.” Ponting was his coach when he was preparing to play for Delhi Capitals in 2021. He has also cited West Indies all-rounder Sir Garfield Sobers as his role model.

Radhakrishnan is known for his ability to bowl with both hands. Cricket.com.au described him as an “ambivalent spinner” who “can change the bowling arm with mid-overs depending on match conditions”.

talking to espncricinfo Earlier this year, Radhakrishnan – who is naturally right-handed – said that it was his father who suggested that he try bowling with his left hand as well.

He earned his professional contract with the Tasmanian Tigers this year.

Here’s a clip of him in action:

The 15-player Australian team coached by Anthony Clarke will play against West Indies, Scotland and Sri Lanka in Group D of the Under-19 World Cup, to be held from 14 January to 5 February 2022.

(Edited by Rohan Manoj)


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