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Tamil Nadu — chasing a Ranji Trophy dream

S. Dinakar

Chennai: Tamil Nadu’s on-going campaign in the Ranji Trophy has not been short of hunger or desire. The side has been cohesive and motivated. It has also called the shots away from home.

Said skipper Dinesh Karthik to The Hindu here on Saturday, “I can see it in their eyes. The boys want to bring home the Ranji Trophy.”

Resurgence

The resurgence of a traditional powerhouse in the Ranji Trophy — Tamil Nadu went through a two-year transitional phase — has been the big story of the competition this season.

Tamil Nadu took the first innings lead against Maharashtra and Karnataka, outplayed Uttar Pradesh by an innings and 238 runs. The side has 12 points from three games and tops Group B at this stage.

Coach W.V. Raman, the architect of the turnaround in the side’s fortunes, has been impressed by the manner in which the young cricketers have put their hands up for the team. He believes the side has greater bench strength; this has been assiduously built.

Well-oiled unit

The top-order has constructed platforms, the middle-order has consolidated and the bowling has appeared better balanced. The return of L. Balaji has added teeth to the attack.

The team has put runs on the board — 648 for three declared (versus Maharashtra at Nashik), 531 (vs Karnataka in Bangalore) and 507 (vs Uttar Pradesh at Ghaziabad) — for the bowlers and the fielders to apply pressure.

“We did not really make enough runs in the last two seasons. But when we saw M. Vijay and Abhinav Mukund gather 462 for the first wicket against Maharashtra, it lifted the entire side,” said Karthik.

But then, Vijay was selected in the Indian team for the Nagpur Test and Karthik was a touch worried. “We were forced to change the opening combination, however, Arun Karthik took the game away from Karnataka with bright stroke-play. Then Vidyut Sivaramakrishnan batted beautifully in the middle order.” Arun Karthik made 149 and Vidyut, 193.

Rewarding experience

The experience of leading the State side has been a rewarding one for Karthik. “The captaincy came at a time when I was feeling a bit low after a disappointing series in Sri Lanka. When people show faith in you during a difficult period, it helps,” he said.

Karthik turned his batting form around too with a match-winning innings of 213 against Uttar Pradesh. “I stroked the ball well, the timing was back. It’s all about confidence.”

Pacemen L. Balaji and P. Amarnath combined to bundle out Uttar Pradesh for 150 and then Tamil Nadu piled up 507. S. Badrinath, who rediscovered form with an innings of 123 in the match, also talks about greater belief within the side.

Of course, Balaji has made a big difference. “He is bowling quicker and is hitting the right areas. He has always extracted bounce,” said Karthik.

Off-spinner R. Ashwin and left-armer C. Suresh have bowled in tandem. “I think Ashwin is the best off-spinner in the country after Harbhajan Singh. Suresh is an improving left-arm spinner,” said Karthik.

In largely team performances, all-rounder S. Suresh Kumar and paceman C. Ganapathy have also chipped in.

Tamil Nadu is buzzing again in the competition. “We have a picture in mind…with the Ranji Trophy,” said Karthik. He and his men are chasing a dream.

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