As cricket spreads its wings in the State, boys from the districts are making inroads into the Tamil Nadu team.
The latest to join the list is Ramalingam Rohit, a 24-year-old pace bowler from Ranipet. The son of a leather merchant, he is putting the skin of the cricket ball to good use.
The news of a place in the Tamil Nadu squad for the Vijay Hazare one-day tournament arrived even as he was with the State under-25 side in Vijayawada.
The wiry paceman, lively and accurate, wants to make the most of the opportunity. He said to The Hindu on Friday, “There is plenty of competition for places among pacemen in Tamil Nadu, and I need to be at my best.”
An outswing bowler with a semi side-on release, Rohit can pick wickets with the new ball. He is also effective at the Death with his slower ball and yorkers.
“I need to believe in myself. Bowling to quality batsmen is a lot about confidence,” said Rohit.
This has been a breakthrough season for Rohit. He impressed for VB Tiruvallur Veerans in the TNPL, and, representing Young Stars, ripped through Alwarpet with seven for 29 in the TNCA first division league.
Rohit said, “I want to thank Young Stars and Rangarajan Sir for all their support and encouragement.”
His parents have stood by him in his cricketing journey. Rohit’s coach at Ranipet S. Mohan instilled in the paceman the value of consistency. “He made me bowl a lot in my younger days and it is helping me now.”
At Grand Slam, Rohit’s first club in the TNCA first division league, the youngster learnt the game’s nuances from former South Zone batsman J.R. Madanagopal.
Rohit said, “Madan Sir has always been there for me. If I have a problem, I go to him. He is so knowledgeable. During the TNPL, talks with V.B. Chandrasekar Sir were very also helpful.”
The finest cricketing moment for Rohit — he idolises Aussie pace great Brett Lee — was when castling India star Murali Vijay in a first division.
“He played on to an away going delivery,” remembered Rohit.
Districts seldom had it so good. The lad from Ranipet is ready to fly.
