Vidyut Sivaramakrishnan, born on January 29, 1984, in Chennai, India, is a former cricket player who made significant contributions to the sport during his career. Son of Venkataraman Sivaramakrishnan, a former Tamil Nadu opening batsman, Vidyut followed in his father’s footsteps and made a name for himself in the cricketing world.
Vidyut created history in just his second domestic season, becoming the first No. 11 player to score a century in the Ranji Trophy. His remarkable innings of 115 runs off just 122 balls against Delhi in Chennai showcased his immense talent and determination. Following in the footsteps of Ravi Shastri, Vidyut moved up the batting order and eventually settled as an opener.
Initially, Vidyut was seen as a bowling allrounder, impressing with his left-arm spin at the Under-19 level. He showcased his skills during the U-19 home series against England in 2000-01, picking up 17 wickets in three Tests, with a remarkable spell of 8 for 38 in Mumbai. However, as time went on, Vidyut’s bowling performance gradually declined, and his true talent shone through his batting abilities.
Transitioning into a specialist batsman, Vidyut soon caught the attention of the national selectors. In a memorable match, he was given a chance to open alongside the legendary Sachin Tendulkar in the 2005 Challenger Trophy final in Mohali. Rising to the occasion, Vidyut played an outstanding knock of 87 runs, contributing significantly to his team’s victory.
Despite his initial success, Vidyut faced challenges in finding a regular place in the Tamil Nadu Ranji team. The emergence of several talented young openers led to Vidyut being overlooked on several occasions. However, he never lost hope and continued to work hard to regain his spot in the team.
Vidyut’s talent and determination did not go unnoticed in the cricketing world. He was given a golden opportunity to play alongside leading international stars when he was picked to represent the Chennai Super Kings in the inaugural Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2008.
Throughout his cricketing career, Vidyut left a lasting impression on his teammates and opponents alike. His impressive batting skills and ability to handle pressure situations made him a valuable asset to any team he played for.
Off the field, Vidyut is known for his humble and down-to-earth nature. He is well-respected by his colleagues and fans for his dedication and hard work towards the game.
Although Vidyut’s professional cricket career has come to an end, his contributions to Indian cricket will always be remembered. His achievements serve as an inspiration to young cricketers, encouraging them to pursue their dreams with passion and perseverance.
