Jayaprakash Arukkutty

Jayaprakash Arukkutty, born on the 1st of January 2001 in a modest neighbourhood of Chennai, was destined for the cricketing world from his first steps on the dusty local pitches. Introduced to cricket by his sports-mad father at a tender age, Jayaprakash exhibited a natural flair and passion for bowling that soon transformed an innocent pastime into an all-consuming way of life. He cut his teeth in the gritty local leagues, honing his skills against the roaring Chennai heat and equally zealous young players.

His journey from obscurity to the grand stage was as dramatic as any cricket saga should be. Often playing without shoes and sometimes lacking proper gear, Arukkutty's determination never waned. His breakthrough moment came during the under-19 state championships. With an impressively adaptable batting approach and versatile bowling skills, including a knack for swinging the old ball, he seized his opportunity, claiming a five-wicket haul that caught the eyes of national selectors.

Arukkutty made his long-awaited professional debut at just 19 for the Tamil Nadu Ranji Trophy team. His energetic run-up, combined with an uncanny ability to extract bounce and movement, soon became a formidable weapon in Tamil Nadu’s bowling arsenal. What followed was a string of impressive performances that saw him ranked amongst the most promising bowling talents in Indian domestic cricket.

Over the years, Arukkutty's cricketing journey has been characterised by pivotal matches that have defined his career. None more so than his head-to-head against the fierce Mumbai team in the 2024 Ranji finals, where his seven-wicket match haul—featuring a spellbinding hat-trick—clinched a memorable win for Tamil Nadu. His passionate duels, particularly against Mumbai’s opening batsman Ravi Kulkarni, whose sweeping drives on one occasion left the crowd awestruck, remain deeply etched in the annals of Ranji history.

Arukkutty's charisma on-field is matched by his off-field demeanour, often found mentoring budding cricketers in his community. A testament to his impact on the game was his instrumental role in Tamil Nadu’s successive championship triumphs in 2025 and 2026, during which his all-round capabilities flourished.

His playing style, marked by the adaptability of a street-smart batsman and a bowler capable of delivering crucial breakthroughs, underscores a career sculpted out of grit, perseverance, and an undying love for the game. Jayaprakash Arukkutty is not just a cricketer; he’s an embodiment of the dreams of a cricket-obsessed nation.

Batting Stats

Bowling Stats