Kerala pacer Aaditya Baiju’s journey from UAE to India’s elite camp

Dubai: Aaditya Baiju charges in, the seam upright, the ball zipping off the pitch at 140km/h. In that moment, under the bright sunshine, he isn’t just another teenage pacer — he is a bowler with a dream. A dream to play Ranji Trophy, to make it to the IPL, and one day, to don the India jersey.

The 18-year-old fast bowler, who honed his skills in the UAE, is now one step closer to that goal. Having impressed with his raw pace and ability to swing the ball both ways, Aaditya has been inducted into the Under-19 Boys Elite Camp 2025 at the BCCI — Centre of Excellence, alongside fellow Dubai product Mohammed Enaan.

Kerala cricket on the rise

Kerala cricket is riding a wave of success. The state’s Ranji Trophy team reached its maiden final after 68 years, and left-arm wrist spinner Vignesh Puthur of Mumbai Indians earned rave reviews for his performance in the IPL against Chennai Super Kings. Now, young talents like Aaditya are further strengthening Kerala’s growing cricketing reputation.

Making his mark

Aaditya first shot to prominence in the Vinoo Mankad Trophy Under-19 tournament last year, when he produced a stunning 7 for 67 against Uttarakhand. Finishing with 12 wickets in four matches, he was among the tournament’s leading wicket-takers.

“My main goal is to break into the Ranji Trophy team, and then move on to play the IPL and, obviously, represent my country,” he told Gulf News during a visit to the UAE.

Originally from Kumarakom in Kottayam, Aaditya moved back to Kerala after completing his 10th grade to chase his cricketing dreams. Now, Grade 12 Commerce student, his focus is fully on cricket.

Learning from the best

Aaditya, who consistently clocks speeds between 135-140 km/h, finished with 10 wickets in five matches in the Cooch Behar Under-19 Trophy, including a six-wicket haul against Maharashtra.

“It was a duration game, so I learnt how to bowl different spells at various stages of the innings,” Aaditya said. He also had the opportunity to work with Australian pace legend Glenn McGrath, who shared invaluable insights.

“He gave me a lot of ideas on how to handle situations and how to approach things when a batter is playing aggressively. I was able to execute those well during games,” he added.

Bowling to Kerala’s best

Aaditya, who can swing the ball both ways, recently bowled to the Kerala Ranji Trophy team during their preparatory camp — an experience he still savours.

“I bowled really quick, and the players liked the way I was bowling. I enjoyed getting their wickets, even though it was only a net session. Head coach Amay Khurasiya was impressed with my bowling,” he said, his eyes gleaming with excitement.

Despite the initial challenges of adapting to the higher standard in Kerala, Aaditya has settled into the grind.

Inspired by pace legends

A fan of fellow Kerala pacer Shanthakumaran Sreesanth, Aaditya idolises Dale Steyn and Jasprit Bumrah. Now, with his inclusion in the NCA’s Elite Camp, he hopes to be on the fast track to cricketing success.