Local hero ready to roar for Chennai Singams again in ISPL Season 2
In the bustling streets of Chennai, where cricket is as much a part of life as the city’s rich culture, R. Thavith Kumar’s journey is a shining example of resilience and passion. From humble beginnings by playing street cricket to rubbing shoulders with top cricketers, Thavith’s rise is a testament to the transformative power of sport.
The Humble Beginnings:
Born and raised in Chennai, Thavith’s cricket journey began in the most unassuming way—playing tennis ball cricket on the streets. He found ways to participate in matches without proper grounds or equipment, sometimes joining corporate office games.
“I didn’t even have a proper ground. If there was a match happening nearby, I would go and ask to play,” he recalls. “I just loved bowling. Even if I didn’t have shoes or a proper ball, I wanted to play.”
Despite limited resources, Thavith’s natural talent as a left-arm fast bowler stood out. It wasn’t long before a mentor noticed him and offered him a chance to try season-ball cricket.
“He saw me bowl and asked if I wanted to play cricket ball. I didn’t know much about it, but I was excited to try it. I played four matches and took four wickets,” Thavith shares. “That opportunity made me realize I could do something big with my bowling.”
Struggles at Home:
Thavith’s journey wasn’t without its hurdles. Coming from a family with limited means, he faced significant challenges.
“My father had a drinking problem, and my mom is a housewife,” he says. “But my brother is my hero. He gave up everything for us. When someone came to our house demanding money, my brother got so angry he quit school and started working as a liftman.”
Thavith recalls the sacrifices his brother made, even at great personal cost. “He lost a finger at work, but he never complained. He just wanted to make sure we were okay. He’s my father, my brother, and my inspiration,” says Thavith.
To make ends meet, Thavith worked multiple jobs, including as a travel ticket agent, earning a modest ₹3,000 per month. “It wasn’t easy balancing work and cricket, but every time I picked up the ball, I felt like all the struggles were worth it,” he adds.
The Turning Point: TNPL and Corporate Cricket:
Thavith’s talent earned him a spot in the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL), where he began making a name for himself. He also played for BSNL Chennai, debuting alongside renowned fast bowler T. Natarajan.
“Playing with Natarajan was a big moment for me. He’s incredibly talented and inspired me to keep improving,” says Thavith. “He used to encourage me, saying, ‘Thavith, you’ve got a deadly in-swinger. Use it wisely.’ That advice stayed with me.”
The Dream of Chennai Singams
Thavith’s big break came when he joined the Chennai Singams in the Indian Street Premier League (ISPL), India’s premier tennis ball cricket tournament. With registration fees he couldn’t afford, a friend stepped in to support him.
“That’s how I got selected. Playing for Chennai Singams was a dream come true,” he says. “I used to watch a lot of cricket tournaments on TV and used to think, one day, I’ll be there.”
In his very first game for the Singams, Thavith earned the Man of the Match award, solidifying his reputation as a skilled bowler.
“Our captain, Sumeet, and the team owners showed immense trust in me. Sumeet used to say, ‘Thavith, don’t worry about pressure. Just bowl like you do in street cricket.’ That confidence made all the difference,” he shares.
A Life-Changing Opportunity
The ISPL proved to be more than just a platform—it was a life-changing event. Thavith’s performances caught the attention of the cricketing world for the bowler who has been invited to bowl in the nets for Chennai Super Kings and even the Indian cricket team.
“As a left-arm fast bowler, I got unique opportunities,” he says with pride. “Bowling in the nets for India was like a dream. I remember Virat Kohli saying, ‘Nice ball, man.’ That one comment motivated me like nothing else.”
“ISPL truly changed my life. I went from a nobody to someone people recognized. It gave me a platform to showcase my talent,” he adds.
Inspiring Future Generations
Today, Thavith sees himself as a beacon of hope for young cricketers in Chennai and beyond. “ISPL is the number one tennis ball cricket tournament in India. It’s giving players like me a platform to shine. If I can make it, so can others,” he says. “When I see young kids looking at me and saying, ‘Anna, we want to play like you,’ I feel proud.”
His message to aspiring cricketers is simple: “Don’t give up, no matter how hard it gets. If you have passion and work hard, someone will notice you. Just like someone noticed me.”
From the streets of Chennai to the country’s most prestigious cricketing platforms, R. Thavith Kumar’s story is one of grit, gratitude, and unrelenting passion—a reminder that dreams can come true, even in the face of adversity.
Chennai Singams Squad
Icon Player: Deepak Dogra | All-Rounder | North Zone
Zone Wise Break–Up
• South Zone: R. Thavith Kumar (All-Rounder), Siyyadri (Batter), V. Vignesh (All-Rounder)
• West Zone: Shubam Sangale (Bowler), Vedant Mayekar (All-Rounder), Ketan Mhatre – RTM (Batter), Sumeet Dhekale – RTM (Batter), Rahul Sawant (All-Rounder), Jignesh Patel (All-Rounder)
• East Zone: Jagat Sarkar (Batter), David Gogoi (Bowler)
• North Zone: Anurag Sharshar (Bowler), Farhat Ahmed (Bowler)
• Central Zone: Prashant Gharat (Batter), Mohammed Zeeshan (Bowler)
About Chennai Singams:
Chennai Singams, the Chennai-based Indian Street Premier League (ISPL) franchise, is co-owned by Rajdip Gupta, Sandip Gupta, and actor Suriya Sivakumar. The team has a roaring lion as their logo, which represents Chennai’s strength and valor, while the vibrant yellow color enhances the city’s radiance. The owners are committed to sports promotion and talent development, as evidenced by their ownership of multiple clubs and support for women’s cricket. As the ISPL prepares for its thrilling T10 tennis ball cricket tournament from January 26 to February 15, 2025, Chennai Singams promises to captivate audiences with their spirited performances on Mumbai’s streets-turned-stadiums.