The Auburn Cricket Club has been chirping. Established in 2010 by Auburn graduate Naveenan Thiagarajan, this once small, social sports club placed second in the 2014 American College Cricket National Championship Finals on ESPN, which was the first time cricket had been televised on the channel.
Aditya Agarwal, graduate student in mechanical engineering, played occasionally in his youth at school and in recreational leagues. Currently the team captain, Agarwal said he was surprised at his team's success.
"Most of the universities didn't expect us to reach the finals, but we played really well," Agarwal said. "It was unexpected, but we also seem to have a love for the game. We've won trophies and medals, but to be on national television was far-reaching for our small organization."
Vignesh Venkatasubramanian, graduate student in chemical engineering and current president of the Auburn Cricket Club, joined the team in 2011. Venkatasubramanian is looking forward to the upcoming season and has high expectations.
"We were kind of underdogs, but we beat last year's champions Penn State," Venkatasubramanian said. "So, it's pretty much similar to the football story. You wouldn't expect a relatively smaller population, such as Auburn compared to New York and Texas, to have such a pool of people to pick from, but we are able to compete on a national level."
The team is hosting their sixth Tiger Cup tournament next weekend on the intermural fields.
"We invite teams like Alabama, Georgia Tech, South Alabama, Mobile and even Memphis," Venkatasubramanian said. "Memphis, who we'd consider our friendly rivals, travels the furthest."
Robin Muthukumar, graduate student in industrial engineering and webpage coordinator of the club, attributed their success to a wide group of people in the community who also cherish the game.
"The Indian population is thoroughly adequate in Auburn," Muthukumar said. "But we also have many Americans who join us. Our club membership has expanded over the last four years, providing for our ability to host and travel for matches. We had over 50 participants in the last Tiger Cup tournament. Not to mention, we are constantly supported by our team alumni."
With Memphis winning the Tiger Cup 2011-2013, the team still has areas to improve. The University of South Florida, who they lost to in the televised national championship, has been another constant competitor.
"We played (South Florida) not only in the national competition, but also in the SEC Conference," Venkatasubramanian said. "It was painful. They won by one run."
Agarwal said their team has been good at bowling and fielding, but needed batsmen.
"Since the inception of our club, the small amounts of batsmen we've had have been graduating," Agarwal said. "So, that's what we've been focusing on in our practices."
Agarwal, Venkatasubramanian and Muthukumar practice in the MLK park every other weekend at 4-6:30 p.m. for hard tennis ball sessions, battling for runs and training for the upcoming season.
Venakatasubramanian said he insists on newcomers to the game.
"What we say to our members and new recruits: just practice with us to see your skill level," Venkatasubramanian said. "Perhaps you'll make our team, but more importantly, just come enjoy cricket and meet some great people.
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