Puducherry Approach Abhishek Nayar to Represent Them in Upcoming Season

The former Mumbai skipper, Abhishek Nayar might represent Puducherry in the upcoming domestic season.

Puducherry are gearing up for making their debut in the domestic cricket and are looking to rope in the veteran cricketer. Nayar had played five first-class matches for Mumbai last season.

Confirming the news, P. Damodara, Cricket Association of Puducherry (CAP) secretary, said Nayar’s presence would motivate the players.

“Abhishek is level-headed and has played the game at the highest level. As we prepare for our maiden season, we feel Abhishek’s presence will be a big boost for our boys,” Damodara told The Times of India.

Nayar also confirmed the news, saying the association contacted him for a dual role. He, however, said he would not coach the team but is considering the offer of joining the team as a player.

“They approached me to be a coach-cum-player, but I am definitely not coaching. I am considering what to do as a player. I am yet to make any decision,” Nayar said.

Nayar is one of the most experienced cricketers in the domestic cricket at the moment. The southpaw, who represented India in three ODIs, has played 99 first-class games and 93 List A games so far.

In first-class, he has amassed 5,627 runs in addition to picking up 164 wickets. In the List A format, he has scored 1,932 runs and has taken 73 wickets.

Nayar, however, had a forgettable outing last season. He scored only 130 runs and took eight wickets from five games.

Damodara, meanwhile, said CAP had been given the go-ahead by the BCCI to prepare for the age-group camps in the coming weeks.

“We have received an authorization by the BCCI to prepare camps for the U16 to 23 age categories in the next two weeks. We are also in talks with former TN cricketer CS Suresh Kumar to coach the U-23 team,” he said.

He also stated the team’s home matches are likely to be held at a ground that’s getting ready in Thuthipet.

“We have about 70 acres of land in a prime location for the ground which will be ready by the last week of August. The ground has about nine practice wickets. If the venue receives an approval of the BCCI, then it could host our home matches,” he said.