”We are here for the development of young players”: Co-Owner Nitesh Choudhary outlines a vision that goes beyond the scoreboard
Kataka, September 25: For the Puri Titans, the Bharat Masala Odisha T20 League – CM Trophy is not just about winning matches. For franchise owner Nitesh Choudhary, the bigger game is happening beyond the boundary — identifying Odisha’s young cricketing talent, nurturing it and creating a pathway towards the highest levels of Indian cricket.
“The players are definitely the reason we are here. We are here for their development,” Choudhary said while explaining the franchise’s decision to enter the Odisha T20 League.
His vision is clear: build for the future, not just for one season.
From Odisha’s grounds to the national stage
Choudhary believes the state has both sporting infrastructure and a growing pool of talented youngsters who need the right opportunities to take the next step.
“Odisha has given a large number of sports facilities to players across different sports. When it comes to joining this franchise, in Odisha, if something happens, it starts with a good name — Jai Jagannath,” he said.
For him, the Odisha T20 League can act as a launchpad rather than merely another domestic tournament.
“These leagues give a platform to youngsters to take the next step. Scouts come and watch them, identify talented players and help them move faster towards the next stage, whether it is the IPL or the national team,” he said.
The grassroots will be at the heart of the project
The Puri Titans also want to take their search beyond established names and connect with players emerging from Odisha’s grassroots cricket ecosystem.
“Moving forward, we are here to develop grassroots players. The more we focus on young players, the better platform we can give them,” Choudhary said.
The franchise plans to explore talent through cricket academies and local development programmes, with a focus on identifying players who could become future stars.
“If a player from our franchise gets an opportunity to play in the IPL, that will definitely help us grow as a franchise based in Puri and Odisha,” he added.
Building the squad was a collective call
While the long-term vision is centred around young talent, Choudhary stressed that assembling the current squad was a collective exercise involving the franchise’s management and coaching staff.
“It is not an individual thing. We have a collective team of staff and management. We all decided together and stayed in touch with the coaches,” he said.
The team assessed its requirements across different departments — top-order batting, spin, pace and all-round options — while also considering the playing conditions in Odisha.
“Accordingly, we chose what we felt were the best players from Odisha,” Choudhary said.
Beyond cricket: Nutrition and wellness
For Choudhary, player development does not end with technical skills. His own sporting background has shaped his approach to nutrition, fitness and wellness.
A former footballer, he believes young athletes need the right support away from the field as well.
“My background is that I have been a sportsperson myself, so I know how important nutrition and wellness are for players,” he said.
Through the franchise’s partnership with Livya Wellness, he wants players to have access to appropriate nutrition and wellness support as they continue their sporting journey.
“I want to give the players a platform where they can connect with the right nutrition and wellness support and continue to grow,” he added.
A promise for the future
The ultimate ambition is perhaps the boldest part of the Puri Titans project.
Choudhary wants the franchise to eventually produce a player capable of reaching the highest level of Indian cricket.
“We promise that in the coming years, we will give at least one player who can reach the highest level in Indian cricket,” he said.
That ambition places the Puri Titans’ project firmly in the long game — from grassroots grounds in Odisha to the biggest stages of Indian cricket.
For the franchise, the real measure of success may not simply be trophies lifted this season, but the number of young players who find a bigger stage because they were given an opportunity here.
The scoreboard may tell the story of today. For Puri Titans, the real story is about tomorrow.
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