C. Andre Siddarth backs Tamil Nadu u-23 after win over Rest of India u-23

C. Andre Siddarth captained Tamil Nadu u-23 to victory over Rest of India u-23 in Chennai on Sunday in a fixture that mirrored the Irani Cup. The result was reported on October 04, 2026.

The Tamil Nadu u-23 side has continued its run of success, having completed a double in the previous season and adding another trophy after defeating Rest of India u-23. C. Andre Siddarth led the State to the latest triumph. “They have experience... the way they won the tournaments last year speaks for itself. They are good enough to win the tournaments again,” said Andre, proudly sporting a victor’s medal around his neck.

The u-23 unit will begin its Col. C.K. Nayudu Trophy defence later this month. With Andre becoming a mainstay in the senior red-ball set-up, the age-group side will be led by all-rounder S. Mohamed Ali. Andre said he has been playing with many of the current group since his u-12 days.

“These guys are too good to be honest. I have been playing with them since my u-12 days. They know what they need to do... these aren’t guys who need to be told what is expected of them,” Andre added.

For RoI opener Angkrish Raghuvanshi, the match was an opportunity to regain rhythm after a three-month absence with a finger injury. His double century against Tamil Nadu u-23 served as a confidence boost. “I am playing [competitive cricket] after a long time and my knock gave me clarity. The middle of the pitch is my happy place,” said Raghuvanshi.

“I tried to bat as long as I could. It was a satisfying experience because every batter dreams of hitting big hundreds. It was a good day for me, but it would have been better had we won the match,” he added.

The u-23 unit will begin its Col. C.K. Nayudu Trophy defence in a home game against Saurashtra in Dindigul later this month, with S. Mohamed Ali set to lead the side for that campaign.