Vijayawada-born & kiwi-bred Teja Anil has emerged as a national Dutch superstar, captivating cricket fans with his impressive performances on the field. In a recent World Cup Qualifiers 2023 group stage match against the West Indies, Teja played a match-winning knock of 111 runs, ensuring the Netherlands did not lose despite conceding a daunting 374 runs in the first innings.
Teja Anil relocated to New Zealand with his family at a young age. While he represented Auckland at the domestic level, his dreams of breaking into the New Zealand national team remained unfulfilled. Teja’s journey took him from India to the Netherlands, via New Zealand. He completed his education in New Zealand and secured a job in the Dutch nation. Fuelled by his passion for cricket, he joined the Kampong club in Utrecht. The talented all-rounder swiftly climbed the ranks in Dutch cricket, ultimately earning a call-up to the national team. Notably, Teja has shown a penchant for performing against the West Indies. Prior to his century in the World Cup Qualifiers, he scored an unbeaten half-century on his debut against the Caribbean side.Making his debut on May 31 last year, Teja played a crucial knock of 58 runs off 51 balls, impressing fans with his boundary-hitting prowess. Although the Dutch team couldn’t secure a victory, Teja’s innings showcased his talent with three fours and two sixes.
Preceding the Qualifiers, the Netherlands engaged in a three-match CWC Super League series against Zimbabwe. In the first ODI, Teja played a remarkable unbeaten knock of 110 runs from 96 balls, guiding his team to chase down a target of 250 with three wickets in hand. This outstanding performance saw him surpass the likes of Glenn Maxwell and Abdul Razzaq for the highest individual ODI score in successful run chases while batting at number seven or below.
Having also excelled in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 Qualifiers, Teja accumulated an impressive tally of 172 runs in five innings. His first-class cricket experience with the Auckland Aces has instilled in him a desire to challenge his cricketing boundaries and pursue professional growth. Despite his accomplishments, Teja maintains a calm demeanor and a stylish gait, earning him the nickname “uncle” within the team. He is an integral part of a Dutch side that features a blend of youth and experience.Looking ahead, Teja expressed the team’s ambitions, stating, “Our focus is now on the T20 World Cup. While I would love to be involved with Indian grounds and fans, whether through commentary, local matches, or anchoring shows in Telugu, I aim to expand my horizons while remaining firmly focused on cricket.” He also expressed admiration for Virat Kohli, acknowledging the Indian captain’s vision, determination, and remarkable record of 75 centuries.
As Teja Anil continues to make waves in Dutch cricket, he embodies the spirit of a cricketing gypsy, defying boundaries and leaving an indelible mark on the sport.
