CHENNAI: Upcoming bowling all-rounder J Kousik is thrilled to bag the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association’s Cricketer of the Year award for his consistent performances. “I didn’t expect it. Many great players have received this honour. It is a very proud moment. I thank the TNCA for choosing me,” said Kousik after receiving the award from former state fast bowler and TNCA vice-president U Prabhakar Rao.
The Coimbatore player beat several leading names to get the coveted award. “I think this is a reward for my consistent performance through the last season. This will propel me to give my best in the future.”
Kousik did well whenever he got the opportunity, particularly with the ball. His ability to extract extra bounce helped him get vital breakthroughs. “I’m basically a swing bowler who can move it both ways. Sometimes bounce gives me that extra edge. I keep working on my game, and that helps me improve,” he explained.
The Grand Slam player is no mug with the bat, which has helped his side sail through tricky situations. “I’m keen to contribute more with the bat. I’m working towards being a fast-bowling all-rounder. My role models are Kallis and Flintoff. I want to bring more utility to the table. I want to be more useful to the side and play as per the demand of the situation.”
Tamil Nadu coach M Sanjay was all praise for Kousik. “He is hard-working and sincere. He has the potential to be a genuine all-rounder. He must get more chances. If he improves with every outing, I’m sure he will be a player of value like Vijay Shankar, serve the state for a long time, and perhaps the country too, in the future.”
The award goes to...
Senior Division (Elite) Raja of Palayampatti Shield: Vijay CC; Senior Division (Plate) SR Jagannathan Trophy: India Pistons; Cricketer of the Year: J Kousik; NN Suvarna Memorial Trophy (highest Ranji run getter, best fielder): B Indrajith; College Cricketer of the Year Baliah Memorial Trophy: K Bharath Shankar (SRM University); Best Bowler in Ranji Trophy V Jagannathan Trophy: Rahil Shah; School Cricketer C Subramaniam Trophy: S Kishan Kumar (St John’s); Special Award: MS Washington Sundar; Women’s Cricketer of the Year: D Hemalatha (MOP Vaishnav College).