At just 22, Naveen (Nav) Sivanathan has become a beacon of inspiration in Sydney’s cricketing community. A passionate player and volunteer, Nav’s mantra is simple: “If a child wants a game of cricket, we will get one for them.”
As junior vice president of Kissing Point Cricket Club and a beloved coach for 250 young players, Nav brings unmatched energy, dedication, and enthusiasm to the sport. He balances his roles with ease, earning admiration as a mentor, coach, and friend to the junior players.
Earlier this year, Nav’s commitment to cricket earned him the prestigious title of Cricket NSW Young Leader of the Year. His journey in cricket began at age six with Milo Cricket (now Woolworths Cricket Blast), inspired by his father, Pras Sivanathan, who also played seniors cricket after migrating to Australia from Sri Lanka.
By eight, Nav was playing junior club cricket, and by 15, he was part of the senior team.
Over the past decade, Nav has contributed extensively to his club. He ran the Cricket Blast program for three years, coordinated junior teams, and played a pivotal role in expanding female cricket, helping establish two junior girls’ teams. Parents often praise Nav for being both a stellar cricketer and a relatable mentor who inspires young players.
Nav credits his leadership style to cricketing legends like Mike Hussey, AB de Villiers, Pat Cummins, and Sri Lankan icons Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara. “They taught me to give 100 per cent to every role and think creatively,” he shares.
Despite his busy schedule as a market researcher and senior cricketer, Nav makes time to attend junior games every Saturday, connecting with players and coaches before heading to his own matches. Whether commentating, scoring matches at the junior gala day, managing the bar, or hosting Friday night barbecues, Nav is the heart and soul of Kissing Point Cricket Club.
With his warm, authentic approach and tireless commitment, Naveen Sivanathan continues to inspire the next generation of cricketers, proving that the spirit of the game is alive and thriving.
Support independent community journalism. Support The Indian Sun.
Follow The Indian Sun on X | Instagram | Facebook
🏏Naveen (Nav) Sivanathan, 22, inspires Sydney’s cricketing community as a coach & junior vice president at Kissing Point Cricket Club.🌟Awarded #Cricket #NSW Young Leader of the Year, he’s shaping the future of the sport.💥🙌 #TheIndianSunhttps://t.co/kLsPgrFOJE
— The Indian Sun (@The_Indian_Sun) December 18, 2024
Donate To The Indian Sun
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun is an independent organisation committed to community journalism. We have, through the years, been able to reach a wide audience especially with the growth of social media, where we also have a strong presence. With platforms such as YouTube videos, we have been able to engage in different forms of storytelling. However, the past few years, like many media organisations around the world, it has not been an easy path. We have a greater challenge. We believe community journalism is very important for a multicultural country like Australia. We’re not able to do everything, but we aim for some of the most interesting stories and journalism of quality. We call upon readers like you to support us and make any contribution. Do make a DONATION NOW so we can continue with the volume and quality journalism that we are able to practice.
Thank you for your support.
Best wishes,
Team The Indian Sun
