Naveen Thankappan

Naveen Thankappan
Nationality: India
Position: Batsman
Batting Style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style: Right Arm Fast
Date of Birth: 1993-01-10 Age: 32

Bio

Career Stats

Fixtures

Teams

Born on a crisp January morning in 1993, Naveen Thankappan began his journey in the cricketing world on the dusty pitches of Kerala. With a cricket bat gifted by his father at age five, Naveen's passion for the sport blossomed in the narrow lanes where every wall was a potential boundary. His precocious talent soon caught the eye of local coaches, and he quickly progressed through the ranks of youth cricket.

By the time Naveen made his professional debut in the Ranji Trophy at age 19, his reputation as a right-handed batting prodigy was already making waves. His elegance at the crease was reminiscent of the classical greats, with a penchant for punishing bowlers with razor-sharp cut shots and sublime drives. Matched by his right-arm-fast bowling, Naveen brought an intriguing all-round threat to his team, unsettling opponents with a surprise burst of pace.

Throughout his career, Naveen's hunger for dominance was most evident in nail-biting encounters against neighbouring rivals. His match-winning century against Tamil Nadu in the 2015 Ranji season is remembered as one of his most defining innings, sealing a dramatic victory and marking him as one of the league's fastest rising stars. This performance was a harbinger of his knack for thriving in high-pressure situations, a trait that continues to endear him to fans.

Naveen's batting ability reached a pinnacle in the 2018 Vijay Hazare Trophy, where he topped the runs chart, leading Kerala to their maiden final. His 140-run masterpiece in the semi-final, laced with precision and audacity, showcased the full measure of his prowess. Here, he joined a select group of players who have shaped the game's modern era with unforgettable knocks.

Despite his successes, it isn’t just the records or trophies that define Naveen's legacy. It's his resilience and flair on the field, woven into moments like his unforgettable cover drive under lights at the Eden Gardens, that etch his name in cricketing folklore. His spirit, reminiscent of cricket’s golden years, alongside a relentless drive to innovate, has left an indelible mark on the sport.

Still, batting on in the twilight of his career, Naveen’s story is one of passion, precision, and a profound love for the game that started on the vibrant streets of Kerala and conquered the pitches worldwide.