From Kalakudi to TNPL: The Inspiring Journey of A. Esakkimuthu

When dreams are born from struggle and fueled by hunger, greatness is only a matter of time. That’s the story of iDream Tiruppur Tamizhans' pacer A. Esakkimuthu, a small-town boy from Kalakudi village near Tirunelveli, who turned a spark of passion into a roaring fire on the cricket field.

Humble Beginnings in Kalakudi

Born in a modest household, Esakkimuthu’s first brush with professional cricket was during the Under-16 selection trials in Tirunelveli. At the time, he had never held a real cricket ball before. Inspired by T. Natarajan’s IPL success, he wondered if he could ever follow in those footsteps.

His father, a school van driver, managed to arrange a white t-shirt and pants for the trial. A pair of borrowed “Bata” shoes completed his kit. Having played only with a tennis “stumper” ball till then, Esakkimuthu stunned selectors with a few power-packed shots and sheer raw pace. He got selected.

A Dream Paused, But Not Forgotten

However, life had other plans. His father's accident and mounting responsibilities forced Esakkimuthu to step away from the game. “You need money to play and train, and I knew my family couldn’t afford it then,” he recalls. Prioritizing education, he temporarily walked away from cricket but not from the dream.

That short-lived cricketing experience ignited a burning passion—“Veri” (fury), as he calls it—within him. And it only grew stronger with time.

Second Chance at Urumu Dhanalakshmi College

Years later, while pursuing a Bachelor of Social Work at Urumu Dhanalakshmi Arts College in Tiruchirapalli, Esakkimuthu got another shot. Playing against Bishop Heber College, he impressed an opposition batter named Yuvaraj, who soon became his mentor. With Yuvaraj’s support, Esakkimuthu moved to a new college for his postgraduation in Library Science and began training seriously.

Training with the Best

His journey took a decisive turn when he met senior pacer Senthil Nathan, coach Veeraraghavan Ramachandran of Alchemy Academy, and trainer Michael Anton. They took him under their wings, covering every cricketing expense. With nothing to hold him back now, Esakkimuthu trained with relentless hunger—“Pasi”, as he calls it.

“There were nights I cried—not for my family, not for pain—but because I couldn’t play cricket. That’s how badly I wanted it,” he says with emotion.

Breakthrough in SS Rajan Trophy

Esakkimuthu’s talent finally got the recognition it deserved. Returning to Tirunelveli, he delivered a stellar performance in the 2024 SS Rajan Trophy, claiming 14 wickets in just 5 matches. This earned him a spot in a TNCA training camp, followed by a third division opportunity.

Living the Dream: TNPL Selection

Fast forward to today, and A. Esakkimuthu is a proud TNPL player, representing iDream Tiruppur Tamizhans. His family, though unfamiliar with the nuances of cricket, never discouraged him. “That support, even in silence, was a blessing. You can’t do this alone. So many people helped me get here,” he says gratefully.

Final Words: The Power of “Veri” and “Pasi”

Esakkimuthu’s journey is a powerful reminder that talent needs opportunity, and dreams need perseverance. Raised by a village, inspired by heroes, and driven by fire and hunger, his story is not just about cricket—it’s about never giving up.