One of Andhra’s senior-most cricketers and a consistent performer in the Ranji Trophy, 32-year-old D.B. Prasanth Kumar believes the Andhra Premier League (APL) T-20 championship presents a golden opportunity for young talent. He emphasizes the league’s value in providing exposure and the chance to play alongside seasoned veterans.
In an exclusive conversation with Sportstar, Prasanth, who has played 74 first-class matches, scoring 3909 runs including nine centuries since his debut in 2011, shares his thoughts on the league, Andhra cricket, and the future. He currently plays for Rayalaseema Kings in the APL.
Prasanth highlights that APL has been a remarkable platform for young players. It allows them to share the field with experienced state players, gaining exposure to playing under lights and with the white ball. Most players between 19 and 23 years old get the opportunity to play alongside seniors, with the matches televised live. This visibility helps them showcase their talent and gain recognition.
He believes the timing of the league is strategic, as it has been organized for the past two years, now entering its third season. The planning, he notes, is well-structured, and he feels that if the league were to occur before the IPL auctions, it would become an even greater opportunity for local players. Excellent performances in the APL could potentially lead to selection in the IPL auctions.
Prasanth emphasizes that the APL is a league dedicated to promoting young talent. He encourages those who get this opportunity to make the most of it. He believes that cricket has evolved significantly in recent years, and young aspiring players must adapt to all formats of the game. He stresses that while a slam-bang approach has its place, adaptability is key. Consistency, he emphasizes, is the cornerstone of a successful cricket career. Players who master this skill are destined for a bright future.
He acknowledges the combined efforts of the Andhra Cricket Association (ACA), APL, and individual franchises in promoting the league. He believes that as these efforts continue, the league will gain further popularity and become more attractive. Each team already enjoys significant regional support. He emphasizes that direct spectator attendance would further encourage players and teams, providing a motivational boost.
While he acknowledges the benefits of including players from other states, Prasanth understands that the current league rules allow only local state players to participate. He believes this is a positive move, as local leagues supporting local talent ensure visibility, recognition, and encouragement.
Prasanth expresses his satisfaction with the playing conditions at the Vizag stadium, but also welcomes the prospect of playing in different venues across Andhra Pradesh. Each region has a dedicated fan base, and playing in Anantapur would allow the Rayalaseema Kings to engage with their fans directly, and similarly, matches in Vijayawada would draw large crowds from the region.
He believes that playing in different venues would be a great opportunity for the team to connect with their local fan base.
He takes a pragmatic approach to his own career, not focusing too far into the future. His priority is the present, and he concentrates on playing well and contributing to his team’s success in the tournament. After the APL concludes, he will then shift his attention to his future plans.
He expresses his strong belief in the potential of Nitish, an all-rounder, who he considers a valuable asset to Indian cricket. Nitish’s ability to excel in both batting and medium-paced bowling makes him a rare talent, and Prasanth is confident that he will represent India. He believes that Nitish’s skills will help India win matches.
Prasanth acknowledges the role of the APL in providing Nitish with a platform to showcase his abilities at a higher level. The APL has been a significant stepping stone for him.
