Andre Siddarth says pressure is a privilege as Tamil Nadu vice-captain

In Chennai on October 1, 2026, C. Andre Siddarth, 20, said he regards the pressure of being named vice-captain and R. Sai Kishore’s deputy for Tamil Nadu’s Ranji Trophy side as a privilege and will captain Tamil Nadu Under-23 in a clash against Rest of India Under-23 starting here on Thursday.

Andre, described in the report as a right-handed run accumulator, said the leadership appointment is an honour at his age. “Becoming the vice-captain for a State like Tamil Nadu at 20 is a privilege and honour. The pressure that comes with it is a blessing,” he said, and added, “I just want to elevate myself. It (the experience) will be a great learning for me.” He also expressed admiration for teammate B. Indrajith and former Australia skipper Steve Smith.

Now set to shoulder additional responsibility, Andre acknowledged the emotional swings that come with the role. “Ups and downs are part and parcel of the sport, so being level-headed is important. I am not worried about the result: I am only worried about my improvement,” he said.

He spoke positively about working under new head coach V. Yo Mahesh and the intensity of preparation under him. “Yo Mahesh is pushing us out of our comfort zone. He is being hard: he wants us to do the right things, which I feel is much needed going into a new season. Ninety per cent of the practice sessions feel like a match... they are so intense,” Andre said.

The report states the leadership role is prompting Andre to develop additional skills in his game, with the new responsibilities seen as an opportunity for growth rather than a burden. The combination of increased match-like training under Yo Mahesh and the vice-captaincy is presented as the environment in which he hopes to improve.

Andre will begin his captaincy assignment with Tamil Nadu Under-23 in the clash against Rest of India Under-23 starting here on Thursday, the next confirmed fixture mentioned in the report.