Tamil Nadu has long been a cradle for cricket talent. While Chennai’s craziest fans roar for the Kolkata Knight Riders, the state itself has given India elegant batsmen, crafty spinners, and fierce pacers.
Here’s a look at ten names—past and present—who have carried Tamil Nadu’s cricketing flag high.
1. Thangarasu Natarajan
Born on April 4, 1991, Natarajan made headlines in 2020 when he became the first Indian cricketer to debut in all three formats during a single Australia tour. A left-arm seamer known for yorkers and reverse swing, he represents Tamil Nadu domestically and plays for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL.
2. Washington Sundar
A genuine all-rounder, Washington Sundar (DOB: October 5, 1999) bats left-handed and bowls off-spin. He debuted for India in 2017 against Sri Lanka. In the IPL, he began with Rising Pune Supergiants and currently plays for Royal Challengers Bangalore, delivering match-defining contributions in both departments.
3. Ravichandran Ashwin
One of India’s greatest spin legends, R. Ashwin (born September 17, 1986), is a right-arm off-spinner and handy batsman. Representing Tamil Nadu in domestic cricket and Delhi Capitals in the IPL, Ashwin holds several speed records—fastest Indian to reach numerous wicket milestones in Tests. He’s also a multiple-time ICC Award winner.
4. Murali Vijay
A dependable opener, Murali Vijay (born April 1, 1984) has had long stints with India’s Test side. Beginning his first-class journey with Tamil Nadu in 2006, he broke into the national team against Australia when Gautam Gambhir was unavailable. His technique against quality pace bowling earned praise from teammates and critics alike.
5. Dinesh Karthik
Dinesh Karthik (born June 1, 1985) has been a journeyman wicketkeeper-batsman for India. He has captained Tamil Nadu’s state side and played for multiple IPL teams. In Tests and ODIs, he struck a dramatic Test century vs Bangladesh, and in the IPL, he holds the record for most catches by a wicketkeeper, surpassing even MS Dhoni at one point.
6. Vijay Shankar
Vijay Shankar (born January 26, 1991) is a capable all-rounder—right-hand bat, medium-pace bowling. Selected for India’s 2019 World Cup squad, he’s played crucial matches with both bat and ball and remains a key domestic player for Tamil Nadu.
7. Robin Singh
Although born in Trinidad, Robin Singh made his Indian cricket identity in Tamil Nadu. A reliable all-rounder between 1989 and 2001, he played 136 ODIs and later became a noted coach—especially in fielding—mentoring teams in IPL and world cricket.
8. Murali Kartik
A left-arm orthodox spinner, Murali Kartik (born September 11, 1976) had stints for India between 2000 and 2007, and has remained influential in domestic circuits. His crafty flight, bounce, and clever variation earned him respect on turning pitches.
9. Kris Srikkanth
R. Srikkanth (born December 21, 1959) set the tone for Tamil Nadu’s contribution to India’s World Cup legacy. Known for his aggressive batting opening the innings, he played a key role in India’s 1983 World Cup triumph. Post-retirement, he has served as a BCCI selector and TV commentator.
10. Srinivas Venkataraghavan
A stalwart of India’s golden era, S. Venkataraghavan (born April 21, 1945) was a cricketer, India captain, and later a respected umpire. He captained India in early World Cups and represented Derbyshire in English county cricket. For his service to sports, he was honored with the Padma Shri in 2003.
