A student of Khawaja, Athish hopes to lead Tamil Nadu’s batting revolution after Ranji Trophy knocks

Tamil Nadu opener S. R. Athish believes his recent Ranji Trophy knocks — 50 and a career-best 88 against Odisha — mark an important step in his evolution as a batter, as he learns to balance his natural shot-making instincts with the demands of long-form cricket.

Reflecting on the contrast between his two innings in the ongoing Elite Group-A sixth-round match at the KIIT Stadium in Bhubaneswar, Athish acknowledged that the first was more about survival than expression. “The wicket was keeping a bit low, and there was seam movement early. The plan was to see off the new ball because once it gets older, the lateral movement reduces,” he said on Saturday. That understanding, gained the hard way in the first innings, shaped his approach the second time around. “That’s why, when I started this (second) innings, I started very slowly.”

With movement off the pitch dying down quicker in the second innings, Athish felt freer to expand his game. “Run-making became easier. I could bring out my shots a bit earlier,” he explained, underlining the visible difference between a scratchy but gritty first effort and a more compact, occasionally flamboyant second innings.

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The knock, however, was also an exercise in restraint for a batter who describes himself as a natural run-seeker. “My game is to positively look for runs. I’m a shot-maker, and if I keep getting runs, I’m comfortable,” he said. Yet, he admitted that adapting to the situation — even when it goes against instinct — is a sign of maturity. “When the situation demands it, adjusting accordingly is important, especially when you want to play at the senior level,” said the 21-year-old.

One of the defining subplots of his 88 was a lively contest with Odisha pacer Rajesh Mohanty, who tested him with short-pitched bowling and plenty of aggression. Far from being intimidated, Athish relished the challenge. “I like it. It’s healthy competition, and it helps my game.” Initially ducking and swaying, he eventually struck a four and a six. “I shouldn’t be on the backfoot. I should be ahead of him. That was my mindset.”

Athish also credited his recent success in 50-over cricket for boosting his confidence. Tamil Nadu’s title triumph in the BCCI men’s Under-23 State-A Trophy (Elite), where he finished as the team’s leading run-scorer (506 runs in nine innings), brought him greater visibility. “When you go to the final and win, people notice what the team has done. That attention was definitely there.”

Athish celebrates his half-century against Odisha. The 21-year-old was the team’s highest run-scorer in the BCCI men’s Under-23 State-A Trophy (Elite) with 506 runs.
| Photo Credit:
BISWARANJAN ROUT

In terms of inspiration, the left-hander said he closely studies videos of Usman Khawaja’s batting, breaking down shot selection, when to play them, and technique. Khawaja’s open stance, in particular, resonates with him, though he insists he has not consciously adopted anything into his own game yet.

Looking ahead, Athish feels encouraged by what he describes as a shift in Tamil Nadu’s batting culture. “Earlier, it was more about surviving. Now, batters are looking to score runs and put bowlers under pressure,” he said. Carrying that mindset forward, he believes, could bode well for both the team and his own development.

Published on Jan 24, 2026