Ambitious Edekar aims for Black Caps
Aditya Edekar has his future all planned out.
The 18-year-old wants to be a successful international cricketer.
First, he wants to make the Auckland Under-19 and New Zealand U19 grade teams. Then, Edekar wants a spot in the Auckland A team, the Auckland Aces and ultimately, the Black Caps.
The over-achieving University of Auckland student is already on his way to achieving these dreams.
Edekar is currently a part of Auckland Cricket’s Developing Future Aces - a programme for elite young players.
He’s also represented Auckland in the U14 and U17 grades.
This season Edekar has become a prominent member of the Ellerslie premier men’s team.
‘‘I would like to be amongst the top 10 run scorers in Auckland premier competition,’’ he says.
‘‘I enjoy the camaraderie of a team sport but I also relish the challenge of individual performances that contribute to team success.’’
Ellerslie Cricket’s senior chairman Nigel Wall speaks very highly of him. In his premier debut, Edekar scored 57 runs in their first round loss to University in the Jeff Crowe Cup.
‘‘He is ambitious to play to a higher level and sees regular play for a premier team as a way of achieving that,’’ Wall says.
Edekar, of Indian origin, was born in Auckland and lives in Howick. He travels half-an-hour three times a week from his home to train at Ellerslie, a sacrifice he is willing to make to challenge himself.
The top order right-hand batsman and right-arm off-spinner had a rewarding season last year with the Howick Pakuranga premier reserves.
He was their highest run scorer.
Prior to that, he captained the Saint Kentigern College 1st XI cricket team and was invited to represent Saint Edwards College in Oxford, England.
He scored more than 700 runs and took 25 wickets, playing against some of the leading colleges in England.
‘‘One of my main strengths is the ability to stay calm and unflustered in pressure situations.
‘‘In addition, I have a sound batting technique and temperament. But, I want to be able to dominate bowling attacks - this is something I am working on.’’