He\u2019s 43 now and busy shaping careers at the\u00a0CSK\u00a0Academy as a coach.<\/p>\n
From obscurity to the Super Kings\u2019 playing XI was nothing short of memorable for the man from\u00a0Vellore. \u201cI started playing cricket two-three years before my first\u00a0IPL\u00a0match. Prior to that, I was working in a company after finishing my diploma,\u201d he told\u00a0 Sportstar<\/i>.<\/p>\n
\u201cI was delighted I got a platform like that. That itself is a memory for me. Rubbing shoulders with big stars like (Matthew) Hayden, Mike Hussey, Jacob\u00a0Oram\u00a0was a goosebumps moment. I can\u2019t forget that experience.\u201d<\/p>\n
He said there was pressure on him going into the first match (against the then Kings XI Punjab) but he managed to overcome it. \u201cI was under pressure at the start. We made 240 and it helped me relax a bit,\u201d said\u00a0Palani\u00a0Amarnath, who scalped the wicket of James Hopes in the 33-run win.<\/p>\n
As luck would have it, injuries happened. He couldn\u2019t recover and was no longer the bowler he was. He said there\u2019s a lesson in it for the younger crop.<\/p>\n
\u201cI tell the trainees that rest is very important. Players have to take care of themselves and their health and learn to balance life and cricket,\u201d the former\u00a0CSK\u00a0pacer, who has a Level-2 coaching certificate, said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is every cricketer\u2019s dream to get a platform like (the\u00a0IPL). When I watch the\u00a0IPL, I feel like I missed it. Unfortunately, injuries played a part,\u201d said\u00a0Amarnath, looking back at his career.<\/p>\n
Published on Apr 01, 2026<\/p>\n<\/div>\n