CHENNAI: Twenty five years of service is a long time in any field. But when it comes in sport, it is all the more satisfying. On Sunday, India Cements completed a quarter century of taking over the Gurunanak College grounds.
One man who has been loyal in maintaining the ground and all its facilities during this period has been chief groundsman M Kothandaraman. He has been there from Day 1, and has improved the ground from an ordinary matting surface to a quality turf where first-class matches and TNCA league games have been held regularly.
“When I took over the ground, it was an ordinary matting wicket. With support from the college management and India Cements, we were able to offer a good wicket to players.
“In the 90’s, the city was expanding and there were not many grounds that could hold TNCA First Division matches. So we took the initiative to make the ground fit for such games and then slowly, all first-class matches started being held here,” recalled Kothandaraman.
“We make use of G2 grass, have an excellent drainage system and also a state-of-the-art pavilion with top-quality dressing rooms,” he added.
Gurunanank College is the home ground of Vijay CC, and Rahul Dravid played for the team right from his formative years. In fact, even after retirement, he turned out for a couple of games for Vijay CC.
Plus, scores of cricketers right from Sadagoppan Ramesh to Baba Aparajith, who were also students of Gurunanak College, have benefited from facilities present at the ground.
“Kothandan has been really helpful for us all. His practice wickets are prepared with minute details, keeping in mind our requirements and the format we’re going to play. He has played a large role in our growth as cricketers,” complimented Aparajith, India U-23 captain.
Among the important matches that were held at the ground are an Australia vs Board President’s XI clash four years ago, and Women’s World Cup fixtures.
“Sunil Gavaskar had a word of praise for the ground, as he had played in many grounds in the city and he was aware of standard of facilities that are here. The Australian team that played a three-day game in 2013 too was pleased with facilities,” recollected Kothandaraman.
The 54-year-old has also prepared wickets and maintained the ground at Sankar Nagar in Tirunelveli, where TNPL matches were a big hit as the surface played true.
ashok.v@newindianexpress.com