‘Building a healthy cricket ecosystem is our priority’
One of the most prolific cricketers produced by Karnataka, Sujith Somasundar represented the country in ODIs before bringing down the curtains on an illustrious playing career in 2007.
He later moved into coaching, serving as the head coach of Kerala cricket team and as Head of Education at National Cricket Academy, Bengaluru. A certified sports psychologist, Sujith Somasundar has mentored several athletes over the years. He is now at the helm as Vice-President of Karnataka State Cricket Association (KSCA), focusing on strengthening cricketing infrastructure to ensure that not only players, but also umpires, scorers and other technical personnel from the State get opportunities at the national level.
Star of Mysore caught up with Sujith Somasundar for a brief chatduring his recent visit to Srikantadatta Narasimharaja (SDNR) Wadiyar Stadium at Manasagangothri. Excerpts…
By S.N. Venkatnag Sobers
Star of Mysore (SOM): What is the main focus of new KSCA management committee?
Sujith Somasundar: Cricket is, of course, our main focus. We are all cricketers, and if we have stepped into administration, it is to give back to the game that has given us everything. It has given me my life.
Our priorities include cricket development, creating opportunities and bringing integrity and transparency into the system. Today, there are numerous opportunities within the cricketing ecosystem, not just for players, but also for coaches, umpires, scorers and referees. If we build a healthy ecosystem, everyone will have the chance to grow, scale up and develop.
SOM: Not many from Karnataka have made it to the BCCI panel, be it umpires or scorers. What has KSCA planned to ensure greater representation at the top level?
Sujith Somasundar: That’s a good question. As I mentioned earlier, our mandate is to create opportunities for the entire ecosystem, not just cricketers. One way to achieve this is by establishing a knowledge centre where professional development activities are conducted periodically.
Through seminars, workshops and certification programmes, coaches and match officials can enhance their skills. When they improve and develop professionally, recognition will naturally follow, opening doors to BCCI panels. For this reason, we have decided to conduct professional development programmes.
SOM: With women’s cricket receiving a lot of attention, does KSCA have plans to further strengthen the segment and ensure more talent emerges from the State?
Sujith Somasundar: Women’s cricket has become one of the primary focus areas for BCCI. KSCA, too, has decided to introduce more structured tournaments and league matches to ensure there are sufficient opportunities for girls and women cricketers to compete and showcase their talent.
SOM: In Mysuru, you advised players to adapt to red-ball cricket to make it easier to play white-ball cricket. But at the local level, white-ball matches are not common. How can players adapt to higher levels?
Sujith Somasundar: If it were the other way around, it might have been a concern. Since red-ball cricket is being played regularly, cricketers always have that foundation. As you know, today’s players approach the game aggressively; the colour of the ball does not drastically change their mindset. They play their shots whether it is the red ball or the white ball.
Of course, not every red-ball cricketer will automatically become a successful white-ball player. But a strong grounding in the red-ball format certainly helps them adapt. Going forward, we should also look at organising at least one white-ball tournament to bridge that gap.
SOM: You are a certified sports psychologist. What is your advice to cricketers to ensure their morale does not dip when performances go through a lean patch or when they miss out on team selection?
Sujith Somasundar: It is very important to learn how to deal with setbacks and failures. During low phases, many of us tend to over-analyse and start questioning whether we are good enough. That self-doubt is what pulls you down.
What a sports psychologist teaches a sportsperson is to examine those negative thoughts and convert them into positive ones. If you have failed, it is not the end. It is a learning opportunity. There is only success and learning and there is no failure as such. When things don’t go your way, it gives you feedback about what needs improvement. Failure, in that sense, is nothing but feedback.
SOM: When can we expect cricket to return to M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru?
Sujith Somasundar: Hopefully, very soon. From the KSCA’s side, we have done everything possible to bring cricket back to the stadium. We have secured approvals from the State Government, which had earlier imposed a ban on hosting international and major matches.
The Karnataka Government, led by the Chief Minister, the Home Minister and the entire team, along with other agencies, has been supportive of international cricket returning to Bengaluru.
Approval has already been granted and we are in constant touch with the authorities. We are also working towards implementing the recommendations of the Justice John Michael D’Cunha Commission to ensure all necessary safety protocols are in place.
SOM: Thank you so much, sir.
Sujith Somasundar: Thank you.
This post was published on March 4, 2026 6:15 pm