Despite a persistent downpour, the Tamil Nadu and Baroda cricket teams had their net practice ahead of their Ranji Trophy clash at Chepauk — the players walked into C Cube, an indoor cricket facility at Guindy. Established about six months ago, it attracts budding and top-notch cricketers. While pursuing the 2011 Champions League T20 title, Mumbai Indians practised at the six-wicket facility.
Six pitches with contrasting features and paraphernalia of coaching aids — including bowling machines and side arms — draw them. “Two pitches are quick and aid fast bowlers. Another is dead and flat and is aimed at batsmen who want to regain their confidence. Two others provide bounce and also help spinners with turn. All these pitches consistently display their unique features.
After a practice session with his teammates, Tamil Nadu captain Lakshmipathy Balaji vouched for this element of consistency. He admitted to have enjoyed bowling on a wicket that provided steady bounce. “Pitches of synthetic grass installed within an indoor facility are a good substitute for the natural ones: they come in handy during rain,” said the lanky paceman.
Pleased with the way leading cricketers have taken to this facility, Balachandran, managing director of C Cube, who is also a self-employed software professional and a third division cricketer, is however disappointed with the lukewarm response from those who play cricket for fun. “There is a wrong notion that C Cube is for top cricketers. The fact that Pollard and Simmons and other big leaguers have practised at this facility has helped promote this misconception,” he added. “As the nets are retractable a bigger space can be created to conduct indoor cricket matches. Companies have sent their employees to play team-building matches. A lounge that is provided with an LCD screen, projector and DTH enable these groups to conduct theoretical solidarity exercises along with the matches.”
A cricket store selling equipment ranging from bats to pads, and a kiosk are added features.
For details, log on to www.criccube.com
