An experimental Tamil Nadu team triumphing in the all-India Coromandel King Moin-ud-Dowla Cup in Hyderabad marks an outstanding achievement.
Coach S. Sriram was a pleased man. “It is a tremendous feat. The boys jelled extremely well, fought as a team,” he told The Hindu here on Friday.
Admirable composure
Although it was a team effort, Sriram singled out some individuals for praise. “B. Aparajith, who got a century in the final against Delhi, has a lot going for him.
“What stands out is his composure, both on and off the field. It’s this combination of the right attitude and talent that makes him special.”
Sriram said, S. Aniruda could be persisted with. “He produced a crucial knock in the final. He has this ability to change the complexion of the game. Aniruda is coming out of a rough period and looking good.”
On the bowlers, Sriram said, “I thought left-arm spinner Rahil Shah bowled competently and the format (90 and 40 overs an innings) suited his style. He was steady, built pressure and was among the wickets. Paceman R. Rohith impressed. He is a very good student of the game. And M. Mohammed generated speed.”
Sriram said off-spinning all-rounder S. Suresh Kumar and wicketkeeper-batsman U. Sushil came up with crucial contributions.
He also had words of praise for skipper K.B. Arun Karthick. “He has won two Moin-ud-Dowla and a Buchi Babu title as captain. He was smart with his moves and I jelled well with him.”
Sriram said the victory proves “Tamil Nadu has good bench strength.”
