Kerala's 77-year-old cricketer inspires with his youthful, active life

Kottayam: He may be 77, but George Varghese still carries the energy and enthusiasm of a young man. The years seem to fall away the moment he steps onto the cricket field, where he blends effortlessly with players half, or even a quarter, his age.

Nedumannil George N Varghese, a native of Muttambalam, remains an active presence on the cricket circuits in and around Kottayam every Sunday evening. A man with cricket in his blood, he turns youthful the moment he steps onto the turf with his friends. George returned to the game two years ago, joining members of the youth movement at the Ebenezer Orthodox parish in Manganam.

His friends are always ready to pick him up from home and take him to the ground. A left-arm bowler, George is also a skilled batsman and fielder. Depending on availability, he and his friends play on turf grounds at Eranjal, Kalathipadi and Manarcad.

“The most important thing is that they never keep me away, citing age. They are always willing to take me along. I become a youngster while playing with them. When I see their eagerness to give me a chance to bat or bowl, I feel young again. The youth's interest is a major motivator for us. My family also gives me great support. Sunday evening cricket practice on turf has now become a part of my life,” he says.

George, who settled in Thiruvananthapuram in 1963, had been active in the District A and B Division leagues for 15 years from 1968. He played for the Starlet Club in Sasthamangalam and UCC Thiruvananthapuram, and also represented the Thiruvananthapuram district cricket team.

He has played in tournaments organised by VSSC and FACT, as well as the Apollo Cup tournaments. George was also part of the Kerala Civil Service cricket team for 10 years and participated in several All India Civil Service tournaments hosted by various states. He even captained the side for two years. Having joined government service in 1969, George retired in 2003 from the Commercial Income Tax department as an Inspecting Assistant Commissioner.