Young cricket star on the rise

This 13-year-old young cricketer is on a scoring spree. In the recently concluded District Tournament, Keertivaasan Prakash, or KV as he’s is popularly known, scored two centuries and a half-century during the five-match tournament becoming the top run scorer by a distance.

An all-rounder, KV, who represented Western District for Year 8, also took nine wickets and was one of the top five bowlers of the tournament. And as a result of the spectacular performances by KV and his teammates, his team reached the finals in a considerably long time.

His achievements don’t stop here. At such a young age, KV has made it into Auckland Cricket Association’s (ACA) tournament team of top five batsmen, top five bowlers, and the best wicketkeeper for the second year in a row.

In a conversation with Indian Weekender, the KV talks more about his passion for the sport.

IWK: Tell us about yourself.

KV: I was born in Chennai, a southern state in India. I have just finished Year 8 from Mt Roskill Intermediate School. I am the captain of my club side year 9/10 Premier in the Eden Roskill Cricket Club.

I like playing chess, basketball, football, and video games as well. Cricket is my passion and I cannot play enough of it, and in the future, I aspire to become an international cricket player. 

IWK: When and how did you develop an interest in the sport? 

KV: Our family moved to New Zealand when I was three and that was when I started playing cricket. My older brother Venkat taught me a lot and continues to teach me even now. I remember seeing my brother with a cricket bat one day and I wanted to hit the ball with it. My brother taught me how to play the game and that’s how it all began.

IWK: When did you play your first professional match?

KV: I played my first club game for Eden Roskill Cricket Club when I was seven years old. Since then, I have been playing for the club. I have also been playing representative cricket for the Western Districts for the last four years.

IWK: Tell us about the matches/tournaments you have played so far.

KV: My journey of tournaments started in 2014 with Wanganui Cricket Festival where I was a part of the Under-11 team. Then next year, I played Auckland Cricket District Tournament Year 7 in 2015.

The year after that was great for me, as I played three tournaments— North Island Year 7/8 Tournament in Napier, Auckland Cricket District Tournament Year 8, and New Zealand Post-Cup Competition finals. I was proud to captain my team to the semi-finals of NZ Post-Cup and we finished third.

In the Auckland District Cricket Tournament held from December 27 to 31, I represented Western Districts and scored 357 runs during the five limited-overs matches.

Apart from that, in November last year, I also played in Year 9/10 Premier Competition for my club side and scored two centuries.

I am currently playing in the Napier, North Island Tournament 2017, where teams from all over the North Island are participating.

IWK: Who is your idol and inspiration?

KV: Undoubtedly, former Australian captain Adam Gilchrist. He was an aggressive batsman and his batting style inspires me a lot.

IWK: You are an all-rounder but what do you enjoy the most—batting or bowling, and why?

KV: I love batting because I think it comes naturally to me, and I enjoy it very much. I like to score runs at a brisk pace and with a good strike rate. I have scored seven centuries so far, two of which were scored in the recent district tournament.

IWK: You also play chess. Is it just a hobby or would you like to play it professionally in the future?

KV: I play chess as a hobby. I enjoy playing it with my father but it is not something that I would pursue professionally. Cricket is where my dream lies.

IWK: Where do you see yourself in five years?

KV: In five years, I see myself playing the First XI for my school, Premier Men’s Grade cricket for my club, Future Aces programme for Auckland Cricket, and hopefully, represent NZ Under-19. Later, I hope to play for my country as a Black Cap.