Indian Newslink Sports Award winner in the team’s UAE and England tours
Blessen Tom (RNZ), Auckland, August 4, 2023
Editor’s Note: Adithya Ashok was honoured with the ‘Best Under 19 Cricket Player Award’ at the Sixth Annual Indian Newslink Sport, Community, Arts and Culture Awards held in Auckland on June 24, 2019.
Adithya Ashok was taken aback when he received a call from the Black Caps.
“I was genuinely shocked. I was on my bed staring at the ceiling going, ‘Oh my God, what just happened?'” he said.
The 20-year-old has been selected for the Black Caps’ upcoming tour to the United Arab Emirates and England later this month.
Adithya ’s journey to the national team began when he was just five years old and he attributes his passion for the game to his father.
“He is the one that threw me balls in the backyard. I caught the bug and have had a massive passion for cricket since then,” he said.
This fervour has propelled him to his current position representing New Zealand.
“The opportunity to live out a childhood dream is really special,” he said.
He started playing Club Cricket and eventually ended up with the New Zealand Under-19 World Cup squad in 2020.
Professional Contract
After completing his first year of high school, Adithya received a professional contract offer from the Auckland Aces.
He spent two years with the Aces and is currently playing Cricket in the United Kingdom.
“Currently, I am with the Colchester and East Essex Cricket Club. I am absolutely loving my time here,” Adithya said.
Mount Albert Grammar School Director of Cricket Tony Sail, who has been mentoring him since 2015, said that he was never in doubt that Adithya would go to the highest level in the game.
He said that Adithya’s selection to the Black Caps Team is a culmination of dedication, hard work and talent.
“He ticks all the boxes. he is one of those guys that thrived on Cricket and it is high time that he gets to don that jersey,” Sail said.
From Vellore to Auckland
Adithya ’s family relocated from Vellore in Tamil Nadu to Auckland when he was four years old.
He takes immense pride in his Indian heritage.
“My connection to my roots is extremely important to me,” he says.
Fluent in Tamil, Adithya values his cultural background.
“What is really cool is that I understand that I am representing not just myself and my family, but also Kiwi Indians,” he said.
Adithya reveres Australian Cricket icon Shane Warne as his idol and looks up to star Indian and New Zealand batsmen Virat Kohli and Kane Williamson.
“They essentially conquered the sport,” Adithya said.
Beyond Cricket, he has taken an interest in Golf and, while he says he is better with a ball in his hand than a club, he aims to improve.
Alongside his Cricket, Adithya is pursuing a part-time Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Exercise Science at the University of Auckland.
For Adithya, maintaining a balance between studies and Cricket is crucial.
Right now, though, he is now looking forward to the Tournament in Dubai.
“I am keeping my fingers crossed for an opportunity to play. I would love to represent New Zealand for as long as I can,” Adithya said.
Blessan Tom is a Journalist at Radio New Zealand. The above Report and pictures (which appeared under Indo-NZ Featured Stories) have been published under a special agreement with www.rnz.co.nz
Editor’s Footnote: The following was the Citation that accompanied the Indian Newslink Sports Award to Adithya Ashok. “This 16-year-old rising Star of Cricket will play for New Zealand Under 19 against Australia across the Tasman from July 4 to July 19, 2019. His exceptional bowling has cost many a team priceless wickets and Adithya Ashok continues to raise his tally match after match.
Adithya Ashok, a Year-12 student at Mount Albert Grammar School, has captained the First XI and participated in several matches at home, districts and elsewhere, making him one of the most promising Cricket players of the future.”
