Trichy to Ranji: J.Hemchudesan, the ‘Malinga’ Who Chose Off-Spin

At just 17, off-spinner J. Hemchudesan has already progressed through Tamil Nadu’s U-16 and U-19 ranks to make his Ranji Trophy debut. He has also made a mark at national level with appearances for India U-19 in Challengers Trophy and Tri-series. In this conversation with Prajai Times, he reflects on his journey so far and the road ahead.

Can you share how your cricketing journey began, the age at which you first started playing, and whether there is any cricketing background in your family?

I began playing cricket at the age of five. My father, an avid follower of the game, noticed my keen interest at a very young age and enrolled me in a summer coaching camp. That marked the start of my structured cricketing journey from an academy. I am the first in my family to pursue the sport at a professional level, as there is no prior cricketing background. My father runs a transport service enterprise.

What is the reason behind your nickname “Malinga” and from when did people started calling you with that name?

The nickname dates back to my early playing days when I began as a fast bowler before transitioning into an off-spinner. During that phase, people from Trichy cricketing community started referring to me fondly by that name, and it has stayed with me since.

How did your journey through the age-group system shape your development before the 2023–24 season?, You hogged the limelight as the leading wicket-taker (53 wickets) in the U-16 Vijay Merchant Trophy and a key contributor to Tamil Nadu's run to the quarterfinals. Can you share your thoughts on the journey?

Representing Tamil Nadu at U-16 level was my first opportunity to play for Tamil Nadu. I was also entrusted with leadership responsibilities. It turned out to be a breakthrough season for me in age-group cricket. Prior to that, I had not represented the state, as I missed the U-14 cycle due to the COVID lockdowns when selections and tournaments were not conducted. It felt nice to be amongst the wickets and importantly contribute to the success of the team. 

After a standout U-16 season, you carried that momentum into U-19 cricket in 2024–25, finishing as the leading wicket-taker with 47 wickets in Cooch Behar Trophy. You played a pivotal role in Tamil Nadu's title-winning campaign. How were you able to replicate that success while also stepping up to a higher level of competition?

I focused on keeping things simple and staying committed to my process. Heading into any tournament, my primary goals are to contribute consistently, aim to be among the leading wicket-takers, and help the team succeed. That clarity of approach and disciplined preparation helped everything come together during that season.

Who have been the key mentors and coaches in your journey so far, and who are you currently training under?

Vinoth Kumar Sir from Trichy has been my long-time coach, guiding me since a very young age. Additionally, Wilkins Victor Sir, my head coach during my time with the Tamil Nadu U-16 side, has also played an important role in my development. I continue to train with him whenever I am in Chennai.

At the start of the season, did you anticipate a First-Class debut? During the Buchi Babu tournament, were there indications from the team management that you were being considered for the senior side?

Initially, my expectation was to be part of the Buchi Babu squad, as I had been in the setup in the previous year as well. However, after being included in all the matches this season and delivering consistent performances (Hem finished with 21 wickets, the fourth-highest wicket-taker in the tournament) I sensed that an opportunity at the Ranji Trophy level could come. With that in mind, I prepared myself mentally to step up to the challenge.

How did it feel to receive your First-Class debut cap against Jharkhand in Coimbatore this season at just the age of 17?

It was a surreal moment and truly felt like a full circle in my journey. My path as a Tamil Nadu cricketer began at the same ground in Coimbatore (SNR college Cricket Ground) during the U-16 Tamil Nadu camp in 2023, and to return there to make my Ranji Trophy debut made it even more special. It was also very emotional to reflect on the years of sacrifice made by my parents and coach. I see this milestone as just the beginning of a much bigger journey ahead.

As an off-spinner in modern-day cricket, how have you adapted your skillset to stay effective against increasingly aggressive young batters? Also, how would you describe yourself as a bowler more of a control bowler or someone who actively hunts wickets?

I am constantly working on adapting and expanding my skillset to bowl effectively to batters who are capable of playing attacking shots. I focus on maintaining tight lines, building pressure through dot balls, and restricting scoring options, particularly through the off side. I do not mind if a batter tries to take risks by stepping down the track or playing across the line that often creates opportunities for wickets. Overall, I see myself as a bowler who builds control first and forces mistakes.

You have been part of NCA high performance camps in U-16 and U-19. Recently you were a  part of U-19 Challengers Trophy winning team and represented India U-19 A in Tri-series. What are the learnings?

Yes NCA camps have helped me to upskill my skillsets every year. NCA camps has given me the opportunity to learn from players across the country. With respect to U-19 Challengers Trophy and U-19 Tr-Series I tried to express myself and gave my full effort with U-19 World Cup round the corner. My batting also came out well in the Tri-series I played few good knocks and also bowled well.

How difficult was see your name missing out in the 2026 U-19 World Cup squad and how you came out of the major setback?

Being named as a standby for the Asia Cup had shown me that I was close to selection. So missing out on the World Cup squad was understandably disappointing. At the same time, it made me realize that there were areas in my game especially in batting that still needed improvement. Focusing on that was the only way to make a strong comeback. With several U-19 and Ranji Trophy matches ahead, I chose not to dwell too much on the setback and instead channelled my energy into performing consistently in the opportunities in front of me.

What are your short-term goals for the upcoming season, and what long-term ambitions do you have over the next five to ten years?

In the short term, my primary focus is to perform strongly in the Ranji Trophy. I aim to be among the leading wicket-takers and establish myself in Tamil Nadu’s squad across all three formats. Looking further ahead, my long-term ambition is to represent India in all formats of the game. I am fully aware of the level of competition at the highest stage. So I am also working on improving my batting to become a more complete cricketer. I remain confident that with sustained effort and progress, I can achieve that goal in the years to come.

Thank You. We pray that you keep scaling new heights and become a star of Indian and Tamil Nadu team in the years to come. PRAJAI VIEW wishes HEMCHUDESHAN nothing but the best for a long and illustrious career as a cricketer. We record our thanks to Sujith for this well curated interview.