Rookie slinger Athisayaraj added to TN T20 squad

CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu have included rookie slinger V

Athisayaraj Davidson

in their squad for the upcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 tournament, which gets underway in Vizag from January 7.


Athisayaraj, who has modelled his action on Sri Lankan slinger Lasith Malinga, earned his maiden call-up into the state T20 side after his impressive show in the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) this year representing Tuti Patriots.

Even though

Athisayaraj

wasn't part of initial squad, the 25-year-old pacer was part of a week-long preparatory camp which was held at the Chepauk alongside another pacer R Silambarasan.

A top TNCA source said Athisayaraj was included after he impressed the team management with his bowling skills in the practice matches and at the nets.

"He has a unique action. He swings the new ball, is effective at the death and has a few variations. He looked in good shape during the practice games and in the camp as well. Thus he has been added to the team. He adds variation to the bowling attack," said the source.

The slinger from Thoothukdi, who represents Globe Trotters in first division cricket, caught the attention of numerous IPL scouts during the TNPL with his ability to swing the new ball away from right-handers.

Top IPL scouts and analysts such as

Monty Desai

, who was with Rajasthan Royals and Gujarat Lions, and AR Shrikanth, who is with the Kolkata Knight Riders for a decade, felt that Athisayaraj has the potential to succeed in limited-overs format and that he has to work harder on his fitness given his unusual action.

"One of the new faces who has stepped up for Tuti as well as TNPL, is Athi. Coming from a small, humble place, he has executed his plans well. He has great stuff in him. But one of the things the state cricket (TN) can see is to how to nurture this kid. He has got something for the limited-overs version. But it will come down to taking care of him properly. He knows the art of cricket and the skills as well. He needs one good strength and conditioning coach," Monty had said about Athisayaraj after the TNPL this year.

The TN team is set to depart for Vizag on Friday and will take on Andhra in their first match on January 8.