Dharmaj Cheralathan, 44, is focussed on enjoying the present in PKL season seven.
“I work on my fitness and control, otherwise lasting seven seasons in the league is not easy. Fitness also helps in avoiding injury. I am not even thinking about what the future holds for me after six seasons and into my seventh season. Winning the trophy is the team’s goal and as the captain, my emphasis is to work towards getting there.”
The South Central Railway (SCR, Secunderabad) defender is leading Haryana Steelers this time, his first season with the franchise and overall his sixth side since 2014 when the league was launched.
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The defensive ace, an ankle hold specialist and India international, made his league entry in 2014 with Bengaluru Bulls, remained for the next year before shifting to Patna Pirates, Telugu Titans (2016), Puneri Paltan (2017) and U Mumba (2018).
“Shifting teams happened because managements were not sure if a senior would last a full season. Youthful players were preferred by coaches who felt a side could be built around them. I had no say in management decisions.”
The Steelers paid ₹38.5 lakh to sign him at the player auction, put him in charge for a gruelling 2019 season spread over three months.
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Rakesh Kumar, the chief coach, a celebrated international and PKL star, was his teammates in the India squad at one time.
“The coach understands the game, knows what value each player can bring to the team, experienced or newcomers. In other teams, the coach puts equal load on experienced hands and youngsters, here at Steelers the coach knows when to put load on players and when a break will be more effective.”
The team is placed third and within sight of a place in the play-off.
“We made mistakes in the early games, then change of positions, made adjustments and coach planning made the difference, now the side is performing.”
Explaining the role as team leader in Steelers, he said: “I am the only senior. Our side is full of youngsters, managing them is my role. Youngsters can make mistakes, likely to get angry in match situations. Calming them under pressure, playing each one according to individual ability is what I try to do.”
Wednesday matches:
U Mumba vs UP Yoddha.
Puneri Paltan vs Tamil Thalaivas.