Sujith Somasunder

Sujith Somasunder got his chance on the basis of some fine performances around the domestic circuit. Unfortunately, his international career did not match his deeds on the home front. A gutsy batsman, Somasundar made his first appearence for Karnataka in the 1990-91 season but was not given a regular place in the side for about four seasons. He really flowered in 1994-95 when, pushed into opening, he responded immediately by scoring a century against Goa. Somasundar then carried on the fine form next year hitting two centuries and five half centuries to play a leading role in Karnataka's triumph in the Ranji Trophy. Somasundar made his debut in the Duleep and Irani Trophy matches that season but failed to impress in both. But he had done enough to warrant the nod from the selectors and played in a ODI against the visiting South African side. He failed and then got another chance in the Titan Cup match against Australia later that season. Again he failed and that was the end of his all too brief international career. Rejected by the national selectors, Somasundar continued to be in good form and in the 1997-98 season, aggregated 629 runs. This was followed by a fine performance the next year when he helped Karnataka to another Ranji Trophy triumph by scoring 529 runs.
Natarajan Sriram