Adithya Ashok, New Zealand leg-spinner with Vellore roots, hones skills at Super Kings academy
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Staying true to it, the Vellore-born Adithya is carving his 'own path with love and passion' in professional cricket after turning out in the 2020 U-19 World Cup. He has represented the Black Caps in two ODIs and one T20I and has consistently been a member of the NZ 'A' set-up. The 22-year-old recently earned his maiden NZ central contract for the 2025-26 season.
In his 'journey', Adithya has made a 'pit stop' in his homeland to expand his 'library of knowledge'.
The leggie is one of four players part of a two-week New Zealand Cricket (NZC) training camp at the Super Kings Academy.
'My parents moved to Auckland when I was about four years old and I call NZ my home. In saying that, a part of me understands my heritage and where I am from. I am proud of my Tamil heritage; it is a part of who I am and the people I represent. It feels special to come back and visit the place that I have a deep connection with,' Adithya told TOI.
'We have had an amazing time at the academy so far. I cannot speak highly enough of the experience we have been having here. If I encounter similar conditions in the future, I can rely on the experience I am gaining here. I am now more well informed to have success.'
Well aware that he is unlikely to get exposed to such spin-friendly conditions in NZ, Adithya is leaving no stone unturned to shape himself into a better slow bowler.
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Having a familiar face in academy head coach Sriram Krishnamurthy – he worked with Adithya in NZ during his U-19 days – next to him has made the 'challenge' easier.
'I have an understanding of how the black and red-soil pitches work. I also understand the effectiveness of bounce and over-spin on surfaces in NZ. I cannot rely on turn and a massive amount of sideways movement off the pitch at all times. So I am learning to turn the ball the right amount… how to make little changes in technique, action or angle at the crease.
In order to improve, I need to take these little things to NZ,' Adithya said.
Adithya, who is mentored by former Black Caps spinner
, is firmly focused on being the best version of himself rather than worrying about his national-team selection. 'My ambition is to play a lot of international cricket; everyone has the dream of winning matches for the country. In order to get to that place, I have to be the best player I can be,' added Adithya.
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