“Unorthodox Edge, Elite Potential: Why RS Ambrish Is One to Watch Out”

RS Ambrish is an emerging force in India’s next generation of cricketers. This fast-bowling all-rounder has swiftly turned promise into performance. Fresh from India’s triumph at the recently held U-19 World Cup (where he finished as the joint-highest wicket-taker for the team), he underlined his credentials on the global stage. From overcoming injuries to delivering in high-pressure moments, becoming a prominent member of India Under 19 and earning a Ranji Trophy debut, his progression reflects resilience and competitive maturity. A genuine pace-bowling all-rounder who influences the game in both disciplines, Ambrish embodies the demands of the modern all-rounder. In this conversation with Prajai Times, he reflects on key milestones, lessons learned, and his vision ahead.


To begin with, can you share how you took up cricket? when you began professional training, and how supportive your parents were during your early days?

Cricket has always been part of my life. My father, R. Sukumar (a former Railways player and currently the coach of the Integral Coach Factory team) introduced me to the game. I used to accompany him to matches, which sparked my interest at a very young age.

Both my parents were very supportive. My mother was also involved in sports during her school days and she understands me better. I began professional training around the age of seven. I still remember buying my first cricket kitt. That kit moment was the moment the journey truly began for me.

A fast-bowling all-rounder is a highly demanding and valued role in modern cricket. Was it your conscious choice or a natural progression?

It was more of a natural progression. I have always wanted to contribute to my team in both departments, whether with the bat or the ball. From my early days, I was primarily a fast bowler. During my U-10 and U-12 years, I occasionally bowled spin, but pace bowling remained my main skill.

Only at the U-19 level, I truly understood the significance and value of being a fast-bowling all-rounder. Until then, my focus was simply on contributing in every way I could for the team.

You first represented Tamil Nadu at the Under-16 level, batting lower down the order while also taking the new ball. How did you adapt to that role?

In the U-16 selection and practice matches, I batted in the top order. So I always knew I had the ability as a batter. However, once I made the state team, there were several established batters and I had to move down the order. Even then, I often walked in during challenging situations, where I focused on batting responsibly and contributing to the team’s needs. With the ball, I was entrusted with the new ball in most matches, a responsibility I thoroughly embraced. That season went well for me scored 260 runs and picked up 17 wickets in five matches and it also led to my selection for the Under-16 NCA Camp.

Your breakthrough moment was the match-winning 81 (115) in the U-19 Cooch Behar Trophy 2024–25 final against Gujarat. Could you share that experience?

It was a special innings for me, especially after missing the league stages due to a collarbone injury. We were playing the final at the Narendra Modi Stadium. We knew the conditions were good for batting. So I focused on expressing myself and batting with responsibility.

The knock turned out to be a key moment in my career. It helped me get noticed by the selectors, leading to my selection for the NCA U-19 Elite Camp and eventually the India U-19 squad for the England series in June 2025.

You were fast-tracked by Tamil Nadu this season, featuring in the Buchi Babu tournament and earning your Ranji Trophy debut. How was that experience? Did you expect it?

I played a few matches in the Buchi Babu tournament. I started decently and finished well, especially in the semifinal against Jammu & Kashmir (83 off 177 balls). It was also a valuable experience interacting with seniors like B. Indrajith and learning from them.

I did expect to be part of the Ranji Trophy squad and I always prepare myself as if I am going to play. When I got the confirmation, it was a special moment. Red-ball cricket is a special format and the debut felt like a recognition for the hard work I had put in. 

Image Courtesy - TNCA

You have faced two injuries in a short span one in 2024 and another before the U-19 Tri Series. Yet you returned strongly each time. How did you overcome these setbacks mentally?

To be honest, the recent injury was the only one that was related to my body. The 2024 injury was a freak incident where I collided with a fellow fielder and injured my collarbone.

During recovery, my focus was always on getting back as quickly and as fit as possible. Mentally, I kept telling myself that I was ready to play. Even while I was still in rehabilitation, I used to tell my physio that I felt ready. That mindset helped me stay positive and come back stronger each time.

How did it feel to be picked for the World Cup, especially after missing the Tri-Series and Asia Cup due to injury? Were there any indications from the selectors?

It was a very proud moment for me. Missing the Tri-Series and Asia Cup was disappointing. But my focus was always on regaining full fitness.There were no specific indications from the selectors. However, I was confident because there wasn’t another fast-bowling all-rounder in the squad. I had been part of the setup for the previous nine months, including performing well on the England tour. Once I regained fitness, I believed I had a strong chance of being picked.

What were your key learnings, both with the bat and the ball, from the U-19 World Cup, given the exposure to different teams and conditions?

With the ball - After the first couple of matches, I realised the importance of consistently pitching it fuller since I took the new ball. My natural length is slightly short of a good length. But I consciously worked on bowling fuller to be more effective in those conditions.

With the bat - I understood the importance of sticking to my strengths. I got out a couple of times trying to play square of the wicket, which is not my natural scoring area. My strength lies in playing in front of the wicket, and this tournament reinforced the need to trust my game plan.

What were your emotions during England’s chase in the final?

During setting a target of over 400, the coaches reminded us to mentally treat it like defending 280–300 and push ourselves to go beyond the intensity. That mindset kept us sharp and focused. Even when the opposition was batting, we stayed composed because we trusted our preparation and our collective belief.

Image Courtesy - ICC

How did it feel to lift the trophy on the world stage after remaining unbeaten throughout the tournament? 

It was an incredible feeling. This campaign was not built over a few weeks. It was the result of nearly nine months together as a unit. It starting from the England tour in June last year. We grew as a team during that period sharing ideas, learning from each other, and receiving constant guidance from the support staff and coaches who worked tirelessly behind the scenes.

You have largely trained under your father so far. Does that continue to be the case, or do you work with any specialist coaches? Also, who are your cricketing inspirations?

I continue to train under my father, who has guided me throughout my journey. Even now, he closely follows my games and shares feedback. Sometimes, he would even send me screenshots if he notices areas for improvement.

During various series and camps, I also receive valuable inputs from team coaches. My father and I discuss those suggestions, and if they suit my game, I work on incorporating them.

In terms of inspiration, I admire Ben Stokes a lot as a cricketer. I also closely follow Hardik Pandya and Virat Kohli.

What are your plans for next season, and how do you see yourself evolving as a cricketer in the long term?

For the next season, my focus is on performing consistently in every series and contributing meaningfully to every team I represent. I want to keep improving in both departments and ensure I remain dependable in all conditions.

In the long term, my ambition is to represent (senior) India. More than just earning a place, I aim to establish myself with consistent match-winning performances at the highest level.

Thank You. We pray that your dreams come true and that you keep celebrating milestones and become a vital cog for our Indian and Tamil Nadu sides. PRAJAI VIEW wishes AMBRISH a prolonged and celebrated career. We record our thanks to Sujith for this well curated interview.