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Junior Rambler dominated batting charts in breakthrough season
December 16, 2011

"Next year, I'll hit that century!"

That was the swift reply from Kevin Singh when he was given a run-down of some of his batting statistics from this past summer, where a hundred was about the only uncharted category for the 13-year old. In 2011, the tally of 415 runs in 11 innings with an outstanding average of 69.17 - highest in the Under-13 division of the Toronto & District Cricket Association - made Kevin the year's most prolific scorer among his Ramblers clubmates. He eased to 4 fifties with 3 other knocks in the 40s for a good measure, racking up almost all of his runs at the top of the order. What makes his season all the more remarkable is that the TDCA junior matches are of the 25-over format.

Kevin, left, receiving his Best Batsman award at the 2011 Ramblers Awards Ceremony © Ramblers Media

"When it comes to cricket, Kevin is a very dedicated person. We always see him working away on his techniques in the nets, willing to face any of the bowlers there," said Talha Kirmani, a recent graduate of the Ramblers' junior program, whom Kevin regards very highly for the constant support and frequent challenges Talha throws at him during practice sessions. "Kevin has always strived to score a hundred. The fifties weren't good enough for him anymore, but he didn't get that hundred this year unfortunately", added Talha.

Another person who has impacted Kevin's growth as a cricketer is his coach Anand Supaul. "Anand sir would always make time to come to my matches, even though he needed to look after the other junior teams as well," mentioned Kevin. Under Anand Supaul's guidance, Kevin and the rest of the Under-13 boys dominated the league throughout the regular season, finishing atop the standings with an unbeaten record. Although they were upset by a spirited Centurions side in the divisional semi-final, their performance throughout the season helped further establish the age-level program of the Mississauga Ramblers as one of Canada's most-vibrant and equally sought-after junior platforms.

Kevin attributed much of his team's successful campaign on the leadership abilities of his captain, Abhay Vashi. "Abhay did great! He had everything covered. He set the field and managed the bowling changes and batting order very well. No one had to worry about anything", said Kevin, who finished his 3rd season in the Ramblers setup. With some experience under his belt, Kevin helped out his skipper on many occasions, stepping up to make some of his rookie teammates more acquainted and feel comfortable in playing organized cricket. When asked if he would want to take on the captaincy one day, he emphasized on where his real focus is at. "With Abhay doing so well, I have the opportunity to focus more on my batting."

As mentioned, Kevin played the bulk of the 2011 season as an opening batsman. In the two games that he got to play at the Under-15 level, Kevin was asked to bat in the lower-order, which he admits he did not enjoy. If picking the uber-dashing West Indian batsman Chris Gayle as his favourite cricketer is any indication, Kevin's preference is clear. He says he can adjust to batting anywhere from 1 to 4, but it's as an opener he flourishes the most. His highest score of 78 notout came at no. 1 against the Durham Academy, which surprisingly is not on top of his cherished list. He ranks his 45 against the defending champions Qasra Cricket Academy as his personal best. "That knock gave me a lot of confidence, as it came against the reigning champs. I knew that if I can score against the best, I can score against anyone else."

At their 2011 Awards Ceremony held earlier this month, the Mississauga Ramblers provided the club's youngsters an opportunity to share the same stage with their senior counterparts, something that has been overlooked in the past. Given the limelight, Kevin's achievements were not to be unnoticed, as he won the award of the Best Batsman and was adjudged as the Most Valuable Player, both in the Under-13 category. At the age of 13, Kevin has merely taken the first steps of what should be a long career in cricket. He has started off on the right foot and realizes an important mental aspect of the game. "My father tells me that you never know what to expect in cricket, you should never give up," he pointed out. And the talented boy from Mississauga will also find a lot of encouragement in the verdict of his good friend Talha: "Kevin has a very positive attitude, which I believe will take him really far."

© Ramblers Media