Tirumalasetti Laxminarayana Suman, popularly known as Tirumalasetti Suman, is a talented cricket player hailing from Hyderabad, India. Born on February 15, 1983, Suman demonstrated his passion and skill for cricket at a young age, quickly gaining recognition and making his mark in both domestic and international cricket.
Suman’s cricketing journey began as an opening batsman, representing his state of Hyderabad in various age groups before earning a spot in the renowned Ranji team. From the age of 13, he showcased his natural talent and aggressive playing style, quickly turning heads in junior-level matches. His exceptional performance as the captain of the Hyderabad Under-16s further solidified his reputation as a promising cricketer.
In 2001, Suman caught the attention of selectors when he delivered commendable performances against the England U-19s and consistently scored aggressive centuries. These achievements earned him a place in the Ranji probables, a significant stepping-stone in his professional career. Subsequently, in the 2003-04 season, Suman made his much-anticipated first-class debut, alternating between the Hyderabad and Andhra first-class teams.
Suman’s breakthrough in the international cricketing scene came when he was given the opportunity to play in the Indian Premier League (IPL). In the IPL 2009 held in South Africa, he showcased his consistency and talent as a middle-order batsman, providing valuable contributions to the Deccan Chargers. Additionally, Suman’s offspin bowling skills came in handy, often being utilized to break partnerships on the field.
The following year, IPL 2010, proved to be even more successful for Suman as he notched up an impressive 307 runs. However, his momentum seemed to wane in subsequent domestic seasons, affecting his individual performance. Transferring to the Mumbai Indians for the 2011 and 2012 editions of the IPL, he faced limited opportunities, participating in only 10 matches over both seasons. Eventually, Suman moved to the Pune Warriors for IPL 2013, playing a mere seven matches.
Unfortunately, Suman’s absence from the IPL persisted when he was not selected by any franchise for the 2014 and 2015 editions. However, in 2016, Sunrisers Hyderabad acquired him in the IPL auction at a base price of INR 10 lakh, offering him another chance to demonstrate his skills on the grand stage.
While Suman has been more prominently featured in Hyderabad’s limited-overs teams rather than the Ranji Trophy, there have been notable seasons that highlighted his abilities. The most memorable was the 2014-15 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, during which he collected an impressive 361 runs at an average of 40 and a strike rate of 143. This exceptional performance included one century and two fifties, solidifying his importance to the team.
Throughout his career, Suman has proven himself to be a dynamic and versatile cricketer, contributing significantly in both batting and offspin bowling. Despite facing challenges and fluctuations in form, his dedication to the sport remains unwavering. Suman continues to strive for excellence, seeking opportunities to showcase his talent and contribute to the success of his team.
