RS Ambrish: Carrying Father's Cricket Legacy Forward at U-19 World Cup
In the world of Indian cricket, where batting and bowling talents often emerge in abundance, the seam-bowling all-rounder remains a rare commodity. At the ongoing ICC U-19 World Cup, one young player is not just filling this gap but also realizing a dream that his father could never achieve. RS Ambrish, the promising all-rounder from Tamil Nadu, is scripting a story of legacy, determination, and exceptional skill that has caught the attention of cricket enthusiasts nationwide.
A Father's Unfulfilled Dream and a Son's Natural Talent
For R Sukumar, a former cricketer who never progressed beyond age-group levels for Tamil Nadu and remained on the fringes of the Railways Ranji Trophy team, watching his son excel on the global stage is a moment of profound pride. Sukumar's journey in cricket was limited, but his passion for the game found a new avenue through his son. He recalls a significant early memory: "When Ambrish started walking as a one-year-old, he naturally picked up my titanium English willow bat with his left hand and stood comfortably." This instinctive connection to cricket prompted Sukumar to nurture Ambrish's talent from a young age, even switching his batting stance to left-handed for a more natural approach.
Recognizing Ambrish's potential to bowl pace, a strategic decision was made to have him bowl right-arm to prevent strain on his dominant left side. This careful planning, combined with Ambrish's innate abilities, set the foundation for his development as a dual-threat player.
India's Search for a Seam-Bowling All-Rounder
India's cricketing landscape is rich with batting prodigies and promising bowlers, but the scarcity of seam-bowling all-rounders has long been a point of discussion. The national team's ecosystem has often struggled to produce players who can contribute significantly with both bat and ball in the longer formats. This makes Ambrish's emergence at the U-19 level particularly noteworthy. His performances have not only showcased potential but have marked him as a genuine all-rounder, a rarity that the Indian cricket fraternity is keenly observing.
Despite a side-strain that forced him to miss the Asia Cup leading up to the World Cup, selectors showed unwavering faith in Ambrish, including him in the squad without hesitation. His role as a first-change bowler, complementing new-ball pacers Henil Patel and Deepesh Devendran, and his ability to rescue the batting unit on off-days, highlight his versatility and value to the team.
Meticulous Training and Early Exposure
Ambrish's career has been meticulously planned, thanks to Sukumar's coaching background at the Integral Coach Factory in Chennai. From enrolling in an academy at age five to facing bowlers in nets by six, Ambrish's early training was intensive. Sukumar noticed a spark in him by age eight, leading to participation in U-10 matches where he comfortably competed against older boys. His education at Velammal schools, known for chess, also saw him excel in track and field, with consistent medals in sprinting and long jump.
Sukumar briefly considered steering Ambrish towards tennis, given the individual nature of the sport, but ultimately supported his son's clear preference for cricket. A move to Don Bosco School in Chennai provided access to superior cricketing infrastructure, and a stint at the MRF Pace Foundation exposed him to batting against genuine quicks early on, similar to players like Washington Sundar.
Balancing Batting and Bowling Aspirations
Ambrish himself is focused on mastering the all-rounder role. He states, "In my mind, I have always wanted to be an all-rounder. I know it is quite demanding, but if you can take care of your body, you can do both and help the team in every way." This commitment requires rigorous strength and conditioning, but Ambrish is determined to give his all. While in Tamil Nadu circles, he is seen primarily as a batsman who bowls seam-up, at the India U-19 level, his bowling is considered the bigger asset, showcasing his adaptability.
Looking Ahead: Opportunities and Challenges
Having been part of the India U-19 setup for 18 months, Ambrish has consistently delivered with both bat and ball. His first-class debut earlier this season and interest from IPL franchises like Chennai Super Kings, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Delhi Capitals underscore his rising profile. Sukumar reflects on the opportunities ahead: "Unlike me, he has a lot of opportunities. Ranji Trophy, SMAT, IPL…there is no end to it." He emphasizes that Ambrish's future will depend on how he handles competition, urging him to keep scoring runs and taking wickets.
As Ambrish continues to shine at the U-19 World Cup, he is not just carving his own path but also fulfilling a dream that his father held dear. With a blend of natural talent, strategic training, and unwavering support, RS Ambrish is poised to become a significant figure in Indian cricket, addressing a long-standing need for seam-bowling all-rounders and inspiring future generations.
