Ten young cricketers aged between 10 and 14 will fly the Singapore flag at the World Indoor Cricket Federation (WICF) Junior World Series 2026 in Pretoria, South Africa, as the Republic returns to the competition after an eight-year absence.
The tournament will be held from Sept 26 to Oct 3, with the Singapore contingent travelling from Sept 24 to Oct 5.
Selected by the Singapore Cricket Association (SCA) following open trials advertised on its platforms, the team has been training every Thursday and Sunday for several months.
Coach Muralidharan Govindarajan believes Singapore’s return is particularly significant after the Covid-19 pandemic and the loss of the indoor court previously used by players disrupted the sport’s development.
“We lost a lot of momentum due to Covid and the loss of the one indoor court we had,” he said. “We want to kick-start again. The Junior World Series is a good incentive to do that.”
The 10-member squad comprises Zayn Agarwal, Sharvessa Pradeep Kumar, Atheiyaah Thaenarasan, Archit Shivkar, captain Avyaan Koduvayur, vice-captain Kanishk Ramiah, Gautham Dharmesh, Nabar Yug Amol, Dhanish Maniyar, and Vihaan Sankhesara.
For Avyaan, leading Singapore at such a young age is both a source of pride and an opportunity he is determined to make count.
“I am really proud and happy to captain Singapore. It means a lot to me,” he said. “It’s a new and big thing for all of us to go out internationally. We are well prepared and ready for the games.”
As the youngsters were new to indoor cricket when selected, Muralidharan said the emphasis during trials was not only on existing cricketing ability but also their willingness to learn.
Much of their preparation has concentrated on understanding the different demands of indoor cricket, with match practice and simulated game situations featuring prominently.
“It is always the approach to the game that needs to be addressed, not so much the skills,” Muralidharan said. “A lot of effort was put into instilling the right mindset and discipline.”
Avyaan has worked closely with his coach on tactics while also trying to ensure the team develops collectively.
“I have been focusing on team strategy with Coach Murali Sir, and our team has also focused on technique and practice,” he said. “We have prepared well and are confident. It will be a close tournament and we will give a great fight.”
Muralidharan also believes his players have enough ability to trouble stronger opponents.
“Their skill levels are comparable,” he said. “We have evolved our own way of playing, which works for us and could be a bit unfamiliar to other teams. So I hope we can create a stir.”
Singapore has some history to draw inspiration from.
At the 2018 Junior World Series in Christchurch, it fielded Under-13 and Under-17 sides against established indoor cricket nations including Australia, England, South Africa and New Zealand. The Under-13 team memorably defeated hosts New Zealand.
Muralidharan has repeatedly reminded his current players about that victory.
“This current bunch is extremely confident,” he said. “They are taking it in their stride. They are eager to get out there and perform.”
Preparing for Pretoria has nevertheless been demanding. All 10 youngsters also play outdoor cricket and have continued those commitments while attending indoor training and keeping up with schoolwork. Their parents and schools, Muralidharan said, have been “splendidly” supportive.
Avyaan, however, does not regard the time commitment as a sacrifice.
“We have been managing our schedules and time,” he said. “I wouldn’t say we have made any sacrifices as we all love cricket and all our training has been after school. It is not often that you get a chance to represent Singapore, so it is also an honour.”
The team has also tested itself against an SCA Academy Under-17 side and an adult league team, giving the younger players experience of competing against bigger and older opponents.
While Muralidharan is realistic about Singapore’s prospects against countries where indoor cricket is played more regularly, his captain is setting a considerably more ambitious target.
“We are here to win,” Avyaan said. “We’re playing the World Series for one purpose – to win.
“If we win, we will be happy. If we don’t, we’ll be disappointed, but we would have given a good fight.”
For Muralidharan, the longer-term objective is also to use the Junior World Series to revive interest in indoor cricket and create a stronger junior pathway locally.
“Singapore is tailor-made for indoor cricket,” he said. “By promoting the game well, with this event being the catalyst, I think the sky is the limit.”
