A star of the not-too-distant future
HUMBLE and down to earth can be used to describe Dolphins cricket star and future Protea, Senuran Muthusamy.
Born in Durban on the cusp of the new democracy in February, 1994, the Clifton-schooled athlete went on to attain a Bachelor of Social Science degree at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, majoring in marketing and media. However, despite doing the responsible thing and studying, his one true love always remained cricket.
Having recently competed in the Africa T20 Cup in Pietermaritzburg for KZN Coastal, the current Dolphins cricketer of the year chatted to about his love for the sport, his rise to fame, future goals and more.
Muthusamy has always had a natural love of the game and took to it like a duck to water when he was young.
“Growing up in Asherville, my dad was a keen sportsman and a huge football and cricket fan.
“He introduced me to the sport when I was about 2 years old, and I never looked back. I always had a cricket bat in my hand,” said Muthusamy.
The all-rounder has enjoyed a meteoric rise to fame at the Dolphins, an experience that he describes as a dream come true.
“I began my career with the franchise around February, 2016, and it was as if I was fulfilling a lifelong dream. Growing up, I always came to Kingsmead and wished I would one day play on the same pitch. I am still enjoying it, and I am hoping to win many more trophies here.”
Chatting about both immediate as well as long-term goals and ambitions, the young Durbanite is not looking too far ahead.
“My recent focus was the Africa T20 tournament, and now it is all systems go for the local season, which begins next week with the four-day competition.
My aim is simply to be consistent and focus on the processes rather than the results, and win games for my team in both white and red ball cricket.”
Not only has he excelled for the Dolphins, he has also received call-ups for the SA “A” team, which equates to a mere one step away from the senior national side.
“Yeah, I was fortunate enough to get a call in February to play a three-day warm-up game against Australia, which was exciting, and also the tour of India, which really tested my skills.
“It was tough, but I enjoyed the challenge and the chance to experience another culture. Having fellow Dolphins mates on the tour helped a lot.”
If this wasn’t enough for the young cricketer, he also had a chance to play club cricket in the UK for two months earlier this year. It was for a club called Ramsbottom in the Lancashire League, and helped the talented star hone his skills in foreign conditions.
Such experiences augur well for Muthusamy and his Protea ambitions, but when asked how soon he expected to be in the national set-up, he remained circumspect.
“Yes, it is a goal of mine like any other aspiring cricketer, but I am only focusing on what is in front of me and keeping my feet firmly on the ground. The key is not to get too far ahead of yourself.”
The young lad also had a few tips for young cricketers looking to ascend the ranks.
“Persevere and focus. Keep your head up during the tough times and enjoy the game. Also respect your coaches and rely on your family for support.
“My mom sacrificed a lot and I thank her for that.”
It seems the sky is the limit for this bright star and it should not be too long before he dons the coveted green and gold.