HS19
The final years pad up for the Prem Ranjan Tournament for only the second time in what would also be their Last Crusade. Moving like MJ like its their Last Dance, but best believe these Smooth Criminals deliver Thriller performances throughout the campaign. The only batch that has witnessed the glories of the Tournament as freshies pre-pandemic, they look into the Lacanian mirror hoping to see their Self(s) as the babies they once were, but find their adult Images staring back at them. They will however seek to replicate the Reflections of their freshie enthu, and guide the juniors along the traditions of cricketing in the department. Coming fresh off the back of winning the department football tournament, but they reckoned it’s time to shed football for cricketing glory like Elysse Perry. Legal name Vignana, but the real ones know him as Majnu. The captain leads from the front, and just like the name, he’s bound not just to break hearts, but also the opponent’s hopes at winning. Might seem a senior in this game with the long-term hype on his name, but at 22 years old, the story is just getting started. The Chosen One is still the people’s choice as the finest batsman in the tournament. Ardra is the star pacer. They call her Goswami – Jhulan, not Arnab. But like the latter, she does not allow space for conversation for the best female bowler in the department. Saketh, the Hyderabad Hadlee, glues the team together with his all-round nuance. Naga in his name, so you know his deliveries spit venom. Favourite artist, the Weeknd, so rest assured he turns up on Saturday. Went Solo only to fall short of a campaign Tour last semester, but the People’s Winner is back in full force as deputy captain to lead the team in One Direction; the trophy.
HS20
The best sporting batch within the department, it is no doubt that they show all the Signs of a winner team with their personnel. But questions raised about their performance in crunch time indicate that the Signifiers should sharpen their focus as they near the Signified goal. Shubham dons the skipper’s hat just like he did at the football tournament. HS20 might have narrowly missed out on making the last 2 there, but The Greatest Showman proved his mettle leading the team into the limelight with his KO performances. Demudu Naidu and Barua – Poets with the willow, look dead-set to turn the Sangam Thinai into lush Maruthams by Raining 6s. Shibili is the Trump card to look out for; a Wall in defence, he gets going when the going gets tough. Initials M.S, so you know he’s cool, calm and collected. Nancy and Faiza have always put in a great Shift whenever called upon. They must have their Caps Locked on as they set to take the field under the scorching sun this weekend. He’s had his share of back injuries in his career, but Vishal never shies away from carrying the team when the occasion calls for it. There’s answering the call, and then there’s picking up the phone to tell the rest of the department “I am HIM”. This Beri Bumrah is a death over specialist, coming off the back of an insane spell versus the alumni team last year. Vishal Singh is guilty of being the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Don’t lie to your eyes. The stage is set as the Bhai Kings look to conquer the sea of sand. It is now or never.
HS21
The strongest team on paper, a unit so Perfectly Balanced it puts a Smile on Thanos’s Face. The journey towards a department trophy was long and tiring, but they’ve finally gathered all the Gems for their Gauntlet. You’re now looking at the standard bearers in the department. They are the real deal, and you best believe the Cold Wind whispers – ‘HS21 is Coming’. Playstyle so strategic that they’ll have you Lost on an island. Went toe-to-toe with ‘19 in the football finals and almost had the department singing The Future is Now, Old Man. Immanuel said we can only have knowledge of things we can experience, but these lot Kant bear to pay any attention to that. They play like they know what winning feels like. Himanshu-Diwakar are the batting stalwarts, and you best believe their knocks are of the Highest-Definition. Displayed a batting Clinic last semester as they Stitched up the alumni team and sent them packing. Atharv heads the bowling unit, and I swear Before Christ the B.C is the quickest in the department. The game hasn’t Cena talent like him in a minute. Naseema, the next in line to complement the unit. Call it ‘HERgonomics’ the way she looks comfy under pressure. Leading from the front, and batting down the order is Joseph Kumar. Do not get fooled by the abbreviation. This starlet is not Kidding when it comes to the grand stage. Plays his Inside Out cover drives so well that it leaves the opponents with mixed Emotions. The modern-day Inzamam-ul-Haq, you’d expect class all over from this young skipper as he leads the team towards glory making sure that The Boys Played Well.
HS22
It’s time to get Real and recognise the sharpest tools in the department. Batch moving like a movie the way they’re Everything, Everywhere All At Once. The sophomores carry forward their freshie enthu from last year with the maximum number of player registrations, including key player Chenni Valavan, so you know their CV is serious. Santosh takes up the captaincy and is on wicket-keeping duty for their first Prem Ranjan outing. Started playing since the age of 5 and a key player for the insti cricket team with his Modern batting style, you know he’s got that Tradition and the Individual Talent. Played between the sticks in the footie tournament, so best believe he’s got a safe pair of hands. Akhil Rama, the Sorcerer with the Stone. Bowling run-up so crazy it Stupefies the opponents. He’s got batsmen looking at him like the Defence Against Dark Arts teacher, the way they’ll only see him once in their innings. Ganesh Chaturti might have gotten over, but Vinayak still has a lot of fireworks left in his locker as he prepares to be the destructive batter down the order. Siri Harshitha hopes to follow up on an excellent football campaign. Born in ‘05, but this ‘baller’ drops straight 10s. This group of youngins have already shown they can mix it with some of the best in the game, with a trip to the finals next on their card. They may only be in Year Two, but they deserve the Number One respect now.
HS23
Little is known about the sporting prowess of HS23, but it is vital they take the inaugural department sporting event Critical lest Derrida Theorise them as the Other. They’ve showcased their mettle at the Frisbee sessions, so you know they’ve got a Disc-erning taste for outdoor sport. MA by degree, but their MO is that of deadly pedigree. Led by Tanmay Ghaur, the Banaras Boucher, it seems to be seen if his captaincy can reciprocate the Highs of his singing Notes. I’m not talking about Joaquin Phoenix when I say they’ve got a few killer Jokers in their deck. Find it a coincidence to see the likes of Virat and Rahul in their team list? Think again. As the underDogs go into the tournament, it is apparent they must be Hounded with dilemmas. In their quest to rewrite the tournament’s history books, this newly put together team must navigate their Demons so as to not end up by the Angels. Turning up in Turtlenecks and Blue Jeans like they’re presenting the future, the Masters of Arts are ready to make the department their Canvas.
PhD
The current holders of the Prem Ranjan Memorial Tournament Trophy, the team lines up for this year’s edition with fresh faces and high hopes. Big boots to fill, but if the shoe fits, history ought to be repeated. Oldest in the game, this side is a lock to pick up the Fair Play award, but there’s nothing fair about the level of talent this team possesses. Experts at Viva Voce, Akash Yadav has the team screaming Veni, Vidi, Vici as they look to conquer the department cricketing scene. They’re no strangers to questions, but the biggest one raised here will be of their fitness levels. You’ve seen them as invigilators, but the tournament now offers a chance to see them being put under test. Bowling in Sangam has always proven to be tricky under the floodlights, but this time, under the morning sun, and in different conditions, they must make sure their bowling unit becomes a Collective and are up to their Marx. Buckle up and head over to Sangam on Saturday the 23rd, 6AM, as the scholars oil their gears and tighten their bolts for the tournament. And keep an eye out for the TA’s – because the class is in session.
Article by Kishan Alakkal
Article 19 