S.R. Athish hits 137 as Tamil Nadu u-23 openers compile 250-run stand

S.R. Athish scored 137 and, with K.T.A. Madhava Prasad, put on a 250-run opening partnership for Tamil Nadu u-23 against Rest of India u-23 in Chennai on Friday during the Tamil Nadu u-23-Rest of India u-23 game.

Athish, 22, arrived at the match unusually certain that he would produce a big innings and had even planned how he would celebrate the moment ahead of the fixture. The knock is presented by Athish as a strong start to his season and comes amid his bid to break into the Tamil Nadu Ranji Trophy side as an opening batsman.

On the day, Athish reached 137 while his opening partner, K.T.A. Madhava Prasad, also scored a century; together they amassed 250 for the first wicket. The partnership was recorded in Chennai on Friday and formed the backbone of Tamil Nadu u-23’s innings in the game.

“A few days ago, my father shared a video of Shubman Gill’s celebration. Mine was a pre-planned celebration. I knew that something big would happen this match,” said Athish.

“This innings will definitely give me confidence. It is a good start to the season,” Athish said.

“In the last three months, I have been writing affirmations, visualising stuff and allocating time for meditation. I am seeing the results, which includes this century. I have goals for this season, but I will share them at the end of it,” he added.

Athish said he will compete for an opening slot in the Tamil Nadu Ranji Trophy team and outlined the selection caveat: “We will have to see if I get a chance... it will depend on the combination. If I get a chance, I will use it.”