Dharmaraj Ravanan has earned the reputation of being one of the best defenders in the Indian Super League for his clean tackles.
The 27-year-old, from Sembarai village in Tiruchi, has been a stand-out performer for FC Pune City, having started in all its eight matches so far.
The team has done well despite having begun badly, and finds itself in fourth position now.
Ravanan, who has played for major clubs such as Dempo SC, Mohun Bagan, Mahindra United and Churchill Brothers [he was part of the winning team in Federation Cup (2014) and I-league (’13)], says the ISL has taught him to simplify things.
“Here, I’ve learnt how to handle complicated defence situations in a simple manner,” he says.
“In the last two months, I have tasted the benefits of the lessons I’ve learnt. From practice to matches, I have been able to implement lot of things successfully,” says Ravanan, who began his career playing for Indian Bank (Chennai) in the CFA senior division league.
Excerpts from the interview:
On foreign coaches in the ISL and I-league
Obviously, coaching styles differ. I have worked with foreign coaches like Colin (Toal), David Booth (former coach of Mahindra United) and Franco Colombo (head coach of FC Pune City). In fact, Giovanni Mei, who is the assistant coach, is the defence coach too.
Earlier we used to understand things after a lot of effort (from the players’ perspective). Here (in the ISL), the same things, they simplify.
On not being able to break into the Indian senior team
After representing India in the 2010 Asian Games, I expected to be in the team. After the 2010 Games, almost 15 players from my batch were called for the National camp, but my name was missing.
I was not crestfallen. As long as I play football I am happy, whether it is with the Indian team or the club, it doesn’t matter.
On starting all of FC Pune City’s eight matches
You know the level of competition in ISL. Of the five Indians, to be in the first XI is not very easy.
I am happy that I have played in all the eight matches so far. I am very proud.
On his memories of the Nehru Stadium (where FC Pune is to play Chennaiyin FC)
When I was in Std. IX, I took part in a ‘Catch them young’ tournament match for Tiruchi District. That was the first time I came to the Nehru Stadium, and we went on to win the tournament.
