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Sujith Somasunder
Sujith Somasunder
Sujith Somasunder
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Sujith Bijjahalli Somasundar pronunciationⓘ (born 2 December 1972) is an Indian former cricketer who played domestic cricket for Karnataka and played two One Day Internationals for India in 1996.

Key Information

Early domestic career

[edit]

An opening batsman, Somasundar made his first appearance for Karnataka in the 1990–91 season of the Ranji Trophy. He played his first game against Maharashtra in February 1991 alongside another debutante and future India teammate Rahul Dravid. He made scores of 29 run out and 27 not out in the two innings. He played only one game in the following season, against Tamil Nadu, returning figures of 3/15 in five overs. He was not given his opening spot nor given enough opportunities to secure a permanent place in the Karnataka side. Somasundar was backed by former India cricketer Gundappa Vishwanath, who had been impressed by him at a local club. Viswanath's support and later Anil Kumble, along with the retirement of opening batsman Carlton Saldanha, created a place as an opener in the side for Somasundar.[1]

He had a breakout season in 1994–95 when, promoted to open the batting, he scored back to back a centuries against Goa. Somasundar was a key member and scored the highest aggregate for the Karnataka team during its victorious 1995–96 Ranji Trophy campaign. He hit two centuries and five half-centuries, aggregating 803 runs at an average of 61.76 for the season, including scores of 99 and 53 in the final.[1][2]

International call-up

[edit]

Following his domestic performances, and his match winning century in the Challenger Trophy, impressed the then Captain Sachin Tendulkar who insisted that Somasundar would be his opening partner. He was thus, called up to the Indian national team for the Titan Cup, a triangular One Day International (ODI) series that also featured South Africa and Australia.[3] He made his debut against South Africa in the first game at Hyderabad, scoring 9 before being run out by Daryll Cullinan.[4] His second ODI was his last; playing against Australia at his home ground, Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore, Somasundar was dismissed by paceman Glenn McGrath for 7.[5] He was subsequently dropped from the side and replaced by Navjot Singh Sidhu for the rest of the series.[6]

Later domestic career

[edit]

Though not recalled to the national side, Somasundar continued to be a prolific run-scorer in domestic cricket. He aggregated 629 runs in the 1997–98 season and followed this by scoring 529 runs to help Karnataka to another Ranji Trophy triumph in 1998–99, including a score of 68 in the final against Uttar Pradesh. During the 1990s, he was part of a strong Karnataka team that contributed many players to the Indian side, including Anil Kumble, Javagal Srinath, Rahul Dravid, Venkatesh Prasad, David Johnson, Dodda Ganesh and Sunil Joshi.

In the latter part of his career, he played for other state teams. Playing for Kerala in the 2002–03 Ranji Trophy, he scored his highest first-class score of 222 against Tripura.[7] He also briefly played for Saurashtra. He was once again summoned to play for his own State Karnataka and also captained his State before announcing his retirement from all forms of cricket in 2007. He left a mark as an astute captain and one of the most successful captains for Karnataka, and being instrumental in carving out a couple of Ranji Trophy Victories.

Post-playing career

[edit]

After retiring from first-class cricket in 2007, Somasunder transitioned into corporate and coaching roles. He worked at Wipro Technologies for over five years, where he was a Behavioural Specialist, leading transformational workshops for their Business Leaders .He later got appointed as the Head of Education at National Cricket Academy.[8]

He has also been heavily involved in coaching. From June 2012 to March 2014, he served as the head coach for the Kerala cricket team. During his first year, Kerala finished as runners-up in both the Vijay Hazare Trophy (50-over format) and the Ghulam Ahmed Trophy (20-over format).[9]

A certified sports psychologist, Somasunder has used his training to mentor athletes. In October 2020, he was appointed as the Head of Education at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru, working alongside its director, his former teammate Rahul Dravid.[8]

References

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Sujith Somasunder

View on Grokipedia
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Sujith Bijjahali Somasunder (born 2 December 1972) is an Indian former and cricket coach who currently serves as the Head of Education at the Board of Control for Cricket in (BCCI)'s Centre of Excellence. A right-handed opening batsman, he represented in domestic cricket and made two appearances for the Indian national team in One Day Internationals during the 1996–97 season. Somasunder debuted for in the 1990–91 season and gradually established himself as a regular opener, known for his resilient batting style against pace and spin. He captained the team in domestic competitions and scored over 5,500 runs in before announcing his retirement from the format on 22 February 2007. His international debut came against in Hyderabad on 17 October 1996, followed by a match against in Bengaluru four days later, where he opened the batting but struggled to convert starts into substantial scores. After retiring from playing, Somasunder transitioned into and administration, contributing to player development programs and serving as a mental toughness coach. He was appointed Head of Education at the BCCI's (later renamed the Centre of Excellence) in 2019 to oversee the restructuring of the Coaches' Education Programme, focusing on modules that include understanding elite players' and high-performance . In this role, he continues to influence by mentoring emerging talents and promoting holistic athlete development at the BCCI Centre of Excellence.

Early life and entry into cricket

Birth and background

Sujith Bijjahalli Somasunder was born on December 2, 1972, in Bangalore (now Bengaluru), , . Little public information is available regarding Somasunder's family background, though he grew up in a middle-class household in the neighborhood of Bangalore, supported by parents who encouraged his early sporting pursuits. No prominent cricketing lineage is noted in his family's history. During his formative years in this urban setting, Somasunder engaged in street and other outdoor activities, fostering his initial interest in sports.

Initial cricketing influences and debut

Sujith Somasunder, born in Bangalore on December 2, 1972, developed an early interest in amid the vibrant local scene in the city, where the sport was deeply embedded in community and school activities. Growing up in Karnataka's cricketing heartland, he was inspired by the state's dominant performances during the 1970s and 1980s, which fueled his passion without the benefit of a formal academy system at the time. Local coaches in Bangalore played a pivotal role in nurturing his skills, emphasizing fundamental techniques as he transitioned from gully to organized play. Somasunder's entry into competitive began at the club level in Bangalore leagues during the early , where he honed his opening batting style against age-appropriate opposition. By his early teens, he caught the attention of selectors through consistent performances, leading to his selection for Karnataka's age-group teams. He represented the state in the under-15 category for the first time in 1986, partnering with in the state tournament and marking the start of a long association that would extend to domestic and international levels. This period also included trials and appearances at the under-19 level, further solidifying his reputation as a promising opener. His progression culminated in a first-class debut for in the 1990-91 season. Somasunder played his maiden match in the pre-quarter-final against at Nehru Stadium in , from February 2 to 5, 1991, alongside debutant . Although the match ended in a draw, it represented a significant milestone, launching his domestic career despite initial challenges in securing a regular spot. Key influences during this formative phase included local coaches and the cricketing culture of .

Domestic career

Rise with Karnataka in the 1990s

Sujith Somasunder made his first-class debut for in the 1990-91 season, appearing in two matches that year against and . As a right-handed opening batsman known for his gutsy and aggressive approach, he initially struggled to secure a regular spot in the side, playing just one match each in the 1991-92 and 1992-93 seasons, and another in 1993-94. He also bowled right-arm medium pace on occasion, though his primary contributions came with the bat. Over these formative years, Somasunder gradually established himself within Karnataka's robust domestic framework, which featured emerging talents like and during the state's dominant phase in Indian cricket. His persistence paid off in the 1994-95 season, when he was promoted to open the innings and responded with his maiden century against , marking a breakthrough that solidified his position as a reliable top-order player. This performance highlighted his ability to anchor partnerships and build innings under pressure, contributing to Karnataka's consistent contention in the competition. By the mid-1990s, Somasunder had played around 10 first-class matches for since his debut, demonstrating steady improvement and earning trust in the team's batting lineup amid their strong showings in domestic tournaments.

Peak performances and team successes

Sujith Somasunder's peak domestic performances came during the mid-1990s with , where he established himself as a reliable opener and key contributor to the team's successes. In the 1995-96 season, he aggregated 803 runs across nine matches, including two centuries and five half-centuries, playing a pivotal role in 's victory. His consistent scoring provided stability at the top of the order, helping the team navigate challenging fixtures en route to the title. Somasunder maintained his form in subsequent seasons, scoring 629 runs in 1997-98 and 529 runs the following year, during which secured another triumph in 1998-99. defeated by 96 runs in the final. These seasons highlighted his evolution as an adaptable batsman, capable of anchoring innings as an opener while occasionally batting in the middle order to suit team needs. He also captained for three years during this period. One of his standout individual achievements came in 2002-03, when he scored his highest first-class total of 222 runs against , demonstrating an extension of his peak form even as he transitioned teams later in his career. Over his domestic career primarily with , Somasunder amassed more than 5,500 runs in 99 first-class matches at an average of 35.64, earning media acclaim for his consistency and technical solidity in building .

Transitions to other teams and retirement

In the early 2000s, amid increasing competition for opening spots in the Karnataka lineup, Sujith Somasunder sought greater playing opportunities by switching to Saurashtra for the 2001-02 season. He contributed around 300 runs for the team, including a century of 119 against and a brisk 70 off 97 balls against , helping stabilize the top order in several matches. Following his stint with Saurashtra, Somasunder moved to Kerala in the 2002-03 season, again motivated by the need for regular cricket. There, he enjoyed a prolific campaign, amassing 964 runs at an average of 60.25, topping the first-class aggregates for the season. A highlight was his career-best 222 against Tripura in the Ranji Trophy, the fourth-highest individual score for Kerala in first-class cricket at the time. Somasunder returned to for the 2004-06 seasons, but his appearances became sporadic due to persistent form issues and injuries. He featured in several games during 2005-06, scoring notable knocks like 77 against Orissa and 55* against , but overall contributions were limited compared to his peak years. Somasunder retired from in February 2007 at age 34, after 15 years in the game, citing waning passion and motivation as key factors. Across his domestic career, he played 99 matches for 5,525 runs at an average of 35.64, including 11 centuries, and 66 List A matches for 2,121 runs at 34.77.

International career

Selection for India

Sujith Somasunder's pathway to the Indian national team began with his standout performances in domestic , particularly during the 1995–96 season where he amassed 803 runs at an average of 61.7, including two centuries and five half-centuries, playing a pivotal role in Karnataka's title-winning campaign. This consistent run-scoring established him as a reliable opener with a gutsy approach, drawing attention from national selectors seeking fresh talent following 's disappointing quarterfinal exit from the . His breakthrough came in the –97 , where he scored an unbeaten century for B, further highlighting his potential against quality opposition and solidifying his case for international selection. The selectors viewed Somasunder's domestic record as evidence of his ability to handle pressure and adapt as an opener, especially amid the need to bolster the batting lineup with promising youngsters after the setbacks. This led to his first call-up to the Indian ODI squad for the Titan Cup in October , a triangular series involving , , and , where he was named as a reserve opener. In preparation for the international stage, Somasunder underwent intensive net sessions and practice matches, focusing on refining his technique against pace and spin to bridge the gap from domestic to . His inclusion was ratified just before the tournament, positioning him to potentially open alongside captain in the opener against at Hyderabad on October 17, 1996, marking his debut opportunity in the bilateral series format.

ODI matches and contributions

Sujith Somasunder made his (ODI) debut for during the 1996 Titan Cup, a triangular series hosted in featuring and . He played a total of two ODIs that year, opening the batting in both matches alongside . In his debut on October 17, 1996, against at the Lal Bahadur Shastri Stadium in Hyderabad, Somasunder scored 9 runs off 31 balls before being run out by . He formed part of an opening stand of 19 runs with Tendulkar, who was dismissed for 11, after which Somasunder added 11 more runs in partnership with before his dismissal at 30-2. were bowled out for 214 in pursuit of 's 261/7, losing by 47 runs in a match where Somasunder's early contribution was limited by the quick loss of wickets. Somasunder's second and final ODI came four days later on October 21, 1996, against Australia at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. He managed 7 runs off 32 balls, dismissed bowled by Glenn McGrath, as India reached 30-1 in an opening partnership with Tendulkar before his exit at 10.5 overs. Chasing Australia's 215/7, India won by 2 wickets with 7 balls remaining, thanks to half-centuries from Tendulkar (88) and Navjot Sidhu (65), though Somasunder's brief innings ended early in the collapse that followed. Across his two ODIs, Somasunder accumulated 16 runs at an average of 8.00, with a highest score of 9, and no fifties. He did not take any wickets despite occasional bowling opportunities and effected no catches in the field. His role as an opener was short-lived, with no further international caps due to intense competition from established players like Tendulkar and the emerging . Reflecting on his brief international stint, Somasunder described it as a dream fulfilled, stating, "Every cricketer has a dream of playing for one day, so did I... Playing for and representing the country is a completely different feeling." He recalled the honor of opening with Tendulkar, who offered calming advice before his debut: "Buddy …just be normal and focused. Play your natural game. Don’t worry," and before the second match: "Just watch the ball and hit it when it comes to you." Somasunder expressed regret over the brevity of his career at the highest level, lamenting that it ended after just two appearances.

Post-retirement pursuits

Corporate and broadcasting roles

Following his retirement from in 2007, Sujith Somasunder joined Technologies as a behavioural specialist and leadership training consultant, serving in the role from approximately 2007 to 2012. In this capacity, he facilitated programs focused on mental conditioning and , drawing on his cricketing background to emphasize the importance of mindset in achieving peak performance. Somasunder later described the five-year tenure as a "fulfilling experience," highlighting how it allowed him to transition his expertise from sports to corporate training. Somasunder subsequently entered broadcasting, working as a commentator for on domestic cricket events. He contributed to coverage of the in 2018, providing expert analysis alongside other former players and experts. His role involved offering insights into gameplay strategies and player psychology, leveraging his experience as a former opener and captain to enhance viewer understanding of tactical decisions. This phase of his career, spanning roughly until the late , enabled him to remain connected to through media while sharing perspectives on mental resilience gained from his playing days. Alongside these professional engagements, Somasunder pursued side activities in life and mind coaching, certifying as a high-performance coach and working with athletes and corporates on mental toughness. For instance, he served as a mind coach for Touche Golf, applying principles of mental conditioning to help participants overcome performance pressures. These endeavors reflected his motivation to apply cricketing lessons on focus and adaptability to broader personal development contexts.

Coaching and administrative positions

Following his playing career, Sujith Somasunder served as the head coach of the from June 2012 to March 2014. During this period, he focused on improving the team's performance in domestic tournaments, particularly the , by emphasizing technical refinement and mental preparation for players. Under his guidance, Kerala achieved notable success in the 2012-13 season, delivering a strong showing in the alongside runners-up finishes in the and a third-place result in the . Somasunder's coaching in prioritized the development of young talents, such as Rohan Prem and , through personalized skill enhancement and mental conditioning sessions. He introduced strategies to build resilience and tactical awareness, helping players like Prem fine-tune their batting techniques ahead of key matches. His contract was extended in May 2013 in recognition of these improvements, reflecting the team's elevated competitiveness. In December 2017, Somasunder was appointed head coach of the for the 2017-18 domestic season. Beyond team coaching, Somasunder has worked as a certified and life coach for athletes across , including , , , and . He conducts workshops on mental resilience, focusing on techniques to manage pressure, build confidence, and overcome self-doubt through individualized assessments and positive affirmations. Notable examples include his eight-month mentorship of cricketer post-injury, which aided a comeback century, and guidance for players like S. and the Baba brothers (Aparajith and Indrajith). In 2019, Somasunder was appointed Head of Education at the BCCI's National Cricket Academy (NCA), now known as the Centre of Excellence, a role he continues to hold as of November 2025. His responsibilities include developing curricula for emerging players and coaches, with an emphasis on holistic development encompassing physical, technical, tactical, and mental aspects. He has restructured the Coaches' Education Programme to incorporate modern elements like elite player psychology, innovative shot-making (e.g., switch hits), and mental health support, ensuring uniformity in grassroots training for U-16 and U-19 levels while allowing flexibility for individual traits. Key achievements in this role include leading skill workshops and continuing (CPD) sessions, such as the initiative for women's coaches and the April 2025 workshop for Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) coaches on and . These efforts promote comprehensive player growth, addressing physical conditioning alongside mental resilience to prepare athletes for high-pressure scenarios. As of November 2025, Somasunder is a candidate for the presidency of the Karnataka State Association (KSCA), with elections scheduled for December 30, 2025.

References

  1. https://www.espncricinfo.com/cricketers/sujith-somasunder-34086
  2. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/news/understanding-elite-players-is-part-of-coaching-module-nca-head-of-education-somasunder/articleshow/92524624.cms
  3. https://www.howstat.com/cricket/Statistics/Players/PlayerOverview_ODI.asp?PlayerID=2892
  4. https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/sujith-somasundar-retires-from-first-class-cricket-281216
  5. https://www.espncricinfo.com/cricketers/sujith-somasunder-34086/matches
  6. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kowJ7kRxORU
  7. https://www.espn.com/cricket/story/_/id/46929137/anil-kumble-endorses-venkatesh-prasad-candidature-ksca-president
  8. https://www.espn.com/cricket/story/_/id/41509424/bcci-inaugurates-state-art-centre-excellence-bengaluru
  9. https://www.cricbuzz.com/profiles/3912/sujith-somasunder
  10. https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Players/4/4162/4162.html
  11. https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/sports/supportive-parents-give-talented-sportspersons-the-push-they-need/articleshow/48705979.cms
  12. https://www.news18.com/cricketnext/news/sujith-somasunder-recalls-opening-the-batting-with-sachin-tendulkar-649717.html
  13. https://www.cricketarchive.com/Archive/Players/4/4162/First-Class_Matches.html
  14. https://www.cricketarchive.com/Archive/Players/4/4162/4162.html
  15. https://www.thehindu.com/sport/cricket/its-all-in-the-mind/article6818526.ece
  16. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/new-zealand-in-india-2016/top-stories/sujith-somasundar-to-coach-kerala-senior-team/articleshow/12718830.cms
  17. https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/double-hundreds-by-debutants-and-the-first-hat-trick-for-gujarat-683869
  18. https://cricketarchive.com/Archive/Events/1/Ranji_Trophy_2001-02/Centuries.html
  19. https://m.rediff.com/amp/cricket/2003/apr/01domestic.htm
  20. https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/sport/story/19961115-young-ambitious-players-given-responsibility-of-rejuvenating-struggling-indian-cricket-team-834075-1996-11-14
  21. http://rediff.com/sports/1996/oct17a.htm
  22. https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/titan-cup-1996-97-60991/india-vs-south-africa-1st-match-66059/full-scorecard
  23. https://www.cricbuzz.com/live-cricket-scorecard/6540/ind-vs-rsa-1st-match-australia-india-south-africa-in-india-1996
  24. https://www.espncricinfo.com/series/titan-cup-1996-97-60991/india-vs-australia-3rd-match-66061/full-scorecard
  25. https://www.cricbuzz.com/live-cricket-scorecard/6542/ind-vs-aus-3rd-match-australia-india-south-africa-in-india-1996
  26. https://www.howstat.com/cricket/statistics/players/PlayerOverview_ODI.asp?PlayerID=2892
  27. https://www.outlookindia.com/sports/kapil-dev-depression-comments-bcci-education-head-sujit-somasundar-says-players-should-focus-on-joy-of-playing-than-result-news-231173
  28. https://bestmediainfo.com/2018/08/star-sports-announces-line-up-of-famous-cricket-commentators-for-kpl-2018
  29. http://zeenews.india.com/sports/cricket/domestic-cricket-2012/ranji-trophy/kca-decides-to-extend-sujith-somasunder-s-contract_761834.html
  30. https://sportstar.thehindu.com/magazine/the-game-is-really-looking-up-in-kerala/article29711797.ece
  31. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/jagadeesh-runs-himself-into-a-bigger-league/articleshow/17862268.cms
  32. https://indianexpress.com/article/news-archive/print/the-rise-and-rise-of-keralas-sanju-samson/
  33. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/new-zealand-in-india-2016/top-stories/kca-decides-to-extend-sujith-somasunders-contract/articleshow/20214047.cms
  34. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kanpur/somasunder-appointed-head-coach-by-upca/articleshow/62278380.cms
  35. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/news/sujith-clearing-the-cobwebs-of-the-mind/articleshow/61709399.cms
  36. https://www.dailyexcelsior.com/jkca-hosts-2-day-workshop-to-sharpen-coaches-skills/
  37. https://www.bcci.tv/articles/2020/news/147410/bcci-conducts-cpd-for-women-s-coaches
  38. https://www.thehindu.com/sport/cricket/ksca-elections-postponed-to-december-30/article70290960.ece
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