ESTCOURT KZN: Bowled over by a love for cricket
While Nikhil's love for cricket was sparked at a tender age, he has used that debut on the pitch as a catalyst in honing his game
When, at 10 years old, Nikhil Sewbran was given the opportunity to play in a mini-cricket tournament, little did he know it would ignite a spark that he adamantly says is now one of his top passions.
Born, bred and “buttered” in Estcourt, Nikhil (26) has grown up in town, attending Forderville Primary and Drakensberg Secondary schools.
He is now giving back to younger learners as an educator at St Gregory Primary School. His lessons are not only confined to the classroom – where he teaches Social Science, Natural Science and Maths – but extend to the sports field, where he mentors and coaches at the school’s in-house cricket coaching programme.
He is also qualified as a Level 1 coach and is looking forward to completing his Level 3, which could see him coach franchise teams.
While Nikhil’s love for cricket was sparked at a tender age, he has used that debut on the pitch as a catalyst in honing his game by learning different skill-sets from other players, competing against challenging opponents, as well as continually testing himself over the years.
ALSO READ: Darts player competes in international online championship
He became a member of the Umtshezi Cricket Association at 13 years old and is currently a member of Aster Cricket Club, where his roles are varied.
“I am an opening batsman, I bowl, I can and have played as a wicket keeper, and I am a boundary rider, which means I cover the boundary as a fielder and try to stop fours and sixes from being scored,” explains Nikhil.
Although he describes the relationship with his fellow team members as a ‘family’, he says that competitiveness is always present.
Being part of Aster has afforded Nikhil the chance to experience some of his best and worst cricket moments.
“The highlight would definitely be winning the Round Robin Tournament twice; in 2010 – when I started – and during the 2014/15 season. The Round Robin is one of the most difficult competitions to win in the league, because it has a 10-over format we are not used to. However, this format is one of the most satisfying to play. A ‘lowlight’ would be losing the Round Robin when Aster made it to the finals during two seasons,” Nikhil reminisces.
READ THIS: Aster Cricket Club celebrates 20th anniversary
He lists world-famous South African Proteas opening batsman Hashim Amla as one of his role models.
“I like the way he carries himself on and off the field. He is a great batsman and an even better human. I am trying to mimic his style in my cricket,” he said. Nikhil hopes that the love for cricket grows in Estcourt, starting with the younger generation. “We need younger players to join us, who can sustain the game. I encourage the youth who are interested to enquire about joining a club in their area,” Nikhil concluded.
Click to receive news links via WhatsApp. Or for the latest news, visit our webpage or follow us on Facebook and Twitter
