Two under-14 cricketers’ dream journey from the UAE to Palakkad and the Kerala state team

By K.R. Nayar 

We have often heard the saying, “The sky is the limit” for those who dream and work hard. Abhinav Madhu and Puthan Veettil Nirmay, who live in the UAE but hail from the Palakkad district in Kerala, have been selected for the Kerala State Under-14 team. Though they do their schooling in UAE and train at the Dunes Cricket Academy here, they registered with the Palakkad District Cricket Association nearly three years ago with a mission to play for Kerala. They made sure to travel to Kerala to play matches, and through their consistent performances, they earned a spot in the inter-zonal team. Now, they have clinched a place in the Kerala State Under-14 team.

Puthan Veettil Nirmay and Abhinav Madhu

These boys, through their journey to the Kerala team, have proved that nothing is impossible. By representing their parents’ hometown, they have made their families proud as well. Their parents’ love for the game and willingness to support their children’s dreams have played a crucial role in their success.

Last week, the All Kerala Colleges Alumni Forum (AKCAF) honoured former Kerala player P. G. Sundar, an outstanding left-handed batter from Palakkad. His elegant strokes during Ranji Trophy matches used to surprise everyone, and many wondered how such a talent could emerge from Palakkad—a district not known for producing top cricketers at the time. He was one of the first to prove that where you come from or play does not matter; what truly counts is the ability to sharpen one’s skills and perform consistently.

P G. Sundar being honoured by AKCAF

Abhinav and Nirmay have been following the footsteps of cricketing greats since their childhood. They understand that consistency comes from a deep love for the game and enjoying every match they play. Whether in the UAE or Kerala, they always give their best.

Puthan Veettil Nirmay and Abhinav Madhu in the Kerala Cricket team attire 

M. Abhinav is an elegant opening batsman and wicketkeeper, while Nirmay is an all-rounder. Both began their cricketing journey at the Robin Singh Cricket Academy, later moved to Simply Cricket Academy, and now train at Dunes Cricket Academy. 

S. Vincent, who played for India’s Southern Railways and the Tamil Nadu Under-15 team before becoming a coach, has been with them throughout their journey. He has also groomed IPL players, including Kolkata Knight Riders’ leg-spinner Varun Chakravarthy.

Head coach S. Vincent 

Speaking about Nirmay, Vincent said: “Nirmay started training with me when he was six years old, back when I was the Head Coach of Robin Singh’s Cricket Academy. He continued with me at Simply Cricket Academy and now at Dunes Cricket Academy. He is a huge prospect and highly talented in batting, bowling, and fielding. He is a hardworking boy with a deep passion for the game.”

Vincent has high expectations from Abhinav as well. According to him, “Abhinav is an extremely skilled opening batsman and wicketkeeper. He never misses a practice session and works hard in every match. I have been coaching him for almost four years now. He is a great talent and is dedicated to improving his skills.”

“Coach Hari has also worked hard with these boys alongside me. Our coaching combination helps bring out the best in players, and these two are prime examples,” he added.

Abhinav topped the Kerala Cricket Association’s Under-14 inter-district tournament performance table. In five matches, he scored 244 runs, with a high score of 84. He hit three fifties and also played a knock of 102 runs off 143 balls, including 12 boundaries and a six, for the Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) Under-14 C team.

Nirmay bagged six wickets from three matches for the KCA Under-14 A team and has also played several match-winning knocks. His performance in the Sharjah CBFS Juniors Tournament has been outstanding as well. Nirmay is a Grade 7 student at Gems Modern Academy, while Abhinav is in Grade 9 at Indian High School, Dubai.

Nirmay’s parents,  Kuzhikkat Sreekumaranunni and Pratibha Bhaskaran Menon, support him to a great extent. Sreekumaranunni makes sure to be with his son even during training sessions. Abhinav’s parents, Madhu Madathil and Remya, identified their son’s passion very early on, and have supported him at all levels. 

While Abhinav idolises Rohit Sharma, Nirmay’s idol is Virat Kohli. And both these young talents dream of emulating their cricketing heroes. Representing the Kerala State Under-14 team is just the beginning of that journey.