I always improve through introspection: Alexander

It was at the same ground in Natham where Alexander came to the fore with a match-winning 12 wickets for a TNCA City versus Districts match. “After that match in 2014, I got a call to represent the state’s U-19 team. The Natham ground will remain as a special place in my heart,” the 21-yearold said.

Alexander remained in the news always. He scalped 28 wickets in the TNCA first division league in 2014 playing for AGs Office and returned with 25 wickets in the next season. His eight wickets in AGs Office’s last league match helped them take the lead and avoid relegation. 

The son of a farmer, Alexander was pushed into the game by his brother. “My brother loved cricket. He is an engineer and couldn’t take up the sport due to financial constraints and commitments. He wanted to see me shine as a cricketer and pushed me into the game, which I will never regret,” the spinner said. 

The bowler said he always had the good fortune of being ahead of his time in the game. “I was introduced to cricket when I was in fourth or fifth standard and I started off by playing with the older boys. While I was playing in the U-12 category, my coach Pradeep Kumar and my brother used to take me to U-16 matches. And before I was 15, I was selected to play the TNCA fifth division league,” he said.

Alexander said he strives for improvement through introspection. “During training session, I always have the habit of walking up to the batsman and asking him how comfortable he felt in playing different deliveries I had bowled. After his suggestions, I analyse how easy or difficult it was for the batsman to tackle my spin and improve on my weaker areas. It has helped me immensely in trying variations in my bowling,” the spinner added.

Alexander is already a hero in his hometown of Anaikudi village near Ramanathapuram in the southern part of the state. Huge cut-outs of the player have been displayed at the entrance of the village. “The district is famous for Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam and now people say I am famous. It is overwhelming to hear these comments. It makes me strive harder and it increases self-belief as I do not want to let down anyone who has supported me,” he said.

However, his only wish that would remain unfulfilled is seeing his father happy. “My father’s wish was to see me on TV. The TNPL has given that opportunity but he passed away in February this year. It would remain just a dream,” he choked and signed off.