At first glance, 21-year-old Sanjay Krishnamurthi may not stand out with flashy tattoos or an extravagant haircut like some of his peers. Hailing from Bengaluru and studying Computer Science, Krishnamurthi embodies traits often associated with a traditional South Indian persona: humility, groundedness, and a calm demeanour. On the cricket field, he rarely makes a sound, let alone a celebratory outburst, contrasting sharply with the typical Gen Z athlete.
Krishnamurthi's understated nature was evident as he guided the San Francisco Unicorns to a commanding victory over Washington Freedom, scoring an unbeaten 79 off 42 balls. With just one run needed from three balls to seal the win, Krishnamurthi calmly clipped a single to deep mid-wicket, foregoing any exuberant celebrations. Speaking to Cricbuzz later, he downplayed the achievement, noting that the game was merely preparation for the playoffs, where the stakes are higher.
Despite his reserved post-match demeanour, Krishnamurthi's performance was anything but quiet. Entering the crease with the Unicorns chasing a rain-revised target of 177 in 14 overs, he quickly made his presence felt by hitting Akeal Hosein for a six. His aggressive play continued, particularly against Netravalkar, even after the loss of Jake Fraser-McGurk.
A significant morale boost came when Pat Cummins, bringing drinks onto the field, praised Krishnamurthi's striking. Inspired, Krishnamurthi continued to hit boundaries and sixes, targeting bowlers like Hosein, Andrew Tye, Jack Edwards, and Justin Dill. His final six, a powerful shot over the point boundary, showcased a newfound power in his batting.
Krishnamurthi attributes this power surge to a training stint in Melbourne, where he added 10 pounds of muscle ahead of MLC 2024. Previously wiry, he embraced a rigorous regimen to enhance his athleticism, surprising even himself with the force of some of his shots.
This transformation is also credited to Shane Watson, who mentored Krishnamurthi during the Unicorns' inaugural season. Watson introduced him to a new stance routine, including a trigger phrase, "Hit the ball," to focus his mindset. Additionally, Watson's ACT pre-match routine—focusing on one's "A game," self-critique, and transformation through self-talk—has become a key part of Krishnamurthi's preparation.
Reflecting on his standout performance against the Freedom, Krishnamurthi is poised to draw from this experience as the Unicorns prepare for their playoff game against the same opponent. The team hopes he can continue to elevate his game and achieve even greater success in the tournament.