There is a different dimension to the game now, says Vijay

 : Former India cricketer M. Vijay urged young players to work hard but also work smart as they look to progress higher at the TNCA 94th Annual Day celebrations at the MAC Stadium here on Saturday.

“Imagine you have a vehicle with a steering wheel and an accelerator. But it does not have a brake pedal. As a young player, you have to understand what will happen if you drive fast and what will happen if you drive slowly. If you direct your mind at the right speed and channel it, I am sure you will reach success. There is definite speed in this game; understand it and play accordingly. Be a good human being. Take care of your parents,” said Vijay.

“The game has gone to a different dimension altogether. Sooryavanshi is hitting the first ball for six. That is him. You do your best. God will create a path for you. Don’t get influenced by anybody. Be you and be unique. That is all I want to pass on to the next generation,” the former India and TN opener added.

At the annual awards ceremony, M. Boopathi Vaishna Kumar was awarded the Men’s Cricketer of the Year award. Boopathi led the TN men’s under-23 team to a double in the BCCI tournament, winning the Col C.K. Nayudu Trophy and BCCI men’s U-23 State-A (One-Day) Trophy in the 2025-26 season. The victorious under-23 teams were also honoured during the function. 

In the women’s section, G. Kamalini was adjudged the cricketer of the year for the second year in a row.

Mylapore RC ‘A’ took home the Raja of Palayampatti Shield for winning the TNCA first division league.

The awards: Men: Bishnuram Medhi Trophy (Cricketer of the Year): M. Boopathi Vaishna Kumar; Dr. M. A. M. Ramaswamy Endowment (Consistent Performance in Ranji Trophy): C. Andre Siddarth; T. Vasu Naidu Memorial Trophy (Best Fielder in Ranji Trophy): N. Jagadeesan; V. Jagannathan Memorial Trophy (Best Bowler in Ranji Trophy): R. Sai Kishore Baliah Memorial Trophy (Collegiate Cricketer of the Year): R.S. Ambrish;

S.W. De Allwis Trophy (Junior School Cricketer of the year): Mohamed Saafir; C. Subramaniam Trophy (School Cricketer): Arya Ganesh; R.T. Parthasarathy Trophy Cricketer of the year from Districts: D. Deepesh; N.N. Suvarna Memorial Trophy (Highest Run aggregate in Ranji Trophy): Pradosh Ranjan Paul;

Women: Cricketer of the Year: G. Kamalini; Promising Cricketer: S. Rinaaz; Promising in Under-15: S.J. Rithika; Best Fielder: N.S. Subhaharini 

TNCA League awards: I (Raja of Palayampatti Shield): Winner: MRC ‘A’; Runner-up: Globe Trotters SC.

II (C.P. Johnstone Shield): Winner: Pristine CC; Runner-up: Swaraj CC.

III (C.R. Pattabhiraman Shield): Winner: Garnet CC; Runner-up: Rising Stars CC.

III-A (C.R. Rangachari Shield): Winner: Rising Stars CC; Runner-up: National RC.

III-B (G. Parthasarathy Shield): Winner: Garnet CC; Runner-up: Singam Puli CC.

IV (Bishop Waller Shield): Winner: Chatnath RC; Runner-up: T. Srinivasaraghavan Memorial SC.

IV-A (N. Kannayiram Shield): Winner: Royapettah CC; Runner-up: Bharathi CC.

IV-B (A.G. Kripal Singh Shield): Winner: T. Srinivasaraghavan Memorial SC; Runner-up: Tiger CC.

IV-C (K.S. Kannan Shield): Winner: Chatnath Recreation Club; Runner-up: Book Sellers XI.

V (Dr. P. Subbarayan Shield): Winner: Kovai Knights; Runner-up: Prasad CC.

V-A (P. Ananda Rau Shield): Winner: Ethiraj Sports Academy; Runner-up: Lusuraj CC.

V-B (V.P. Raghavan Shield): Winner: Prasad CC; Runner-up: Netaji CC.

V-C (M.V. Kasturi Rangan Shield): Winner: Youth Centre CC; Runner-up: City Central League.

V-D (S. Annadorai Shield): Winner: Kovai Knights; Runner-up: Indian Oil (RO) Sports & Recreation Club.

VI (P.V.H. Babu Shield): Winner: Gandhi CC; Runner-up: Grand Prix CC.

VI-A (T.K.N. Babu Shield): Winner: Gandhi CC; Runner-up: Grand Prix CC.

VI-B (P.C. Ramudu Shield): Winner: Minerva CC; Runner-up: Triplicane Friends United CC.