Nishanth Saranu, the 6-foot-9 inch fast bowler from Hyderabad, has become the talk of Indian cricket after making his Ranji Trophy debut against Gujarat. Despite entering the cricketing world only in 2021, his rapid rise through the ranks, combined with his exceptional height and talent, has captured the attention of cricket fans and professionals alike.
Nishanth Saranu’s journey
Unlike many cricketers who begin their training at a young age, Nishanth’s story took an unexpected turn when he only started playing cricket seriously in 2021 at the age of 19. At that time, he was struggling with his weight, tipping the scales at 102 kilograms, and was trying different sports to stay fit.
“I was too chubby and weighed 102kgs. I tried badminton and didn’t succeed. I even tried tennis, but it didn’t work out. So I took up cricket for recreation and after that everything happened so fast that even I wonder ‘what really happened?’ because I always thought I wasn’t cut out for sports,” stated Nishant to The Indian Express.
Early in his cricketing journey, Nishanth found inspiration in Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah. In his quest to become a better bowler, Nishanth joined Coaching Beyond Academy in Hyderabad, run by former India fielding coach R Sridhar. Under the guidance of veteran bowling coach TA Sekhar, Nishanth refined his bowling action, shedding the imitation of Bumrah in favor of a more personalized and effective style.
Rapid rise in domestic cricket
Nishanth’s domestic cricket journey took off quickly, and he found himself competing in prestigious tournaments such as the Vijay Merchant and Cooch Behar Trophies. These competitions gave him the exposure and experience needed to sharpen his skills.
Nishanth’s unique combination of height and bowling prowess caught the attention of Mumbai Indians scouts. His inclusion as a net bowler for the team during the Indian Premier League (IPL) was a defining moment in his career. This opportunity allowed him to rub shoulders with top international cricketers like Jasprit Bumrah and Haris Rauf.
Ranji trophy debut
Nishanth Saranu’s much-anticipated Ranji Trophy debut came against Gujarat, and he didn’t disappoint. On Day 1 of the match, he made a significant impact, picking up two crucial wickets. His ability to generate extra bounce, thanks to his towering height, left both fans and opponents in awe.
Nishanth’s journey took another exciting turn when he was selected as a net bowler for Pakistan’s ODI World Cup 2023 squad during their preparation in Hyderabad. This opportunity brought him face-to-face with international stars and coaches, further enhancing his skills and confidence.
One of the highlights of Nishanth’s experience with the Pakistan team was his interaction with former South African fast bowler and Pakistan’s bowling coach, Morne Morkel. Morkel, known for his height and pace, immediately recognized Nishanth’s potential. Morkel encouraged Nishanth to increase his pace, pointing out that with his height, he could become an even more dangerous bowler.
“Morne sir asked me to increase my pace and even took my phone number for possible future opportunities,” Nishanth revealed.
Future of Nishanth Saranu
With the right guidance and continued dedication, Nishanth Saranu could very well become a future star in Indian cricket. His rapid rise, combined with his unique physical attributes and growing skill set, make him a player to watch in the coming years.
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