CHENNAI: Players hailing from Tiruvallur and Kancheepuram districts have an edge over cricketers from other districts in Tamil Nadu.
Since both are close to Chennai, cricketers benefit from playing in both the district and the city leagues. The standard of school and league cricket in other districts is not up to the mark.
But two youngsters hailing from Vellore district have battled odds and made it to the Dindigul Dragons team in the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL), and are also playing for Swaraj CC in the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association’s (TNCA) Second Division league.
Left-arm spinner M Silambarasan hails from Walajapet, while off-spinner Yazh Arun Mozhi comes from Ranipet, which is 6km away from the former.
Both the 17-year-olds study in government schools, and train under coach Mohan in Ranipet.
Silambarasan’s father Munuswamy is a farmer, and his mother Komala is a homemaker.
His outings with Ranipet Rule Cricket Foundation made a mark in age-group cricket, helping him get noticed at the district level, which culminated in opportunities in the TNCA league and with Dindigul Dragons.
In contrast, Mozhi comes from slightly better surroundings. His father S Elango is physical education instructor, while his mother J Mangaiyarkrasi is a teacher.
What bring both the spinners together is their dream of playing for Tamil Nadu some day.
Silambarasan says that he wants to improve his fitness levels as infrastructure back home is not adequate. Mozhi believes that the TPNL is a god-sent opportunity for village cricketers and is keen to do well.
“Both Silamba and Arun are talented. Both are excellent athletes and brilliant fielders. With more exposure, their game will improve,” said Dindigul Dragons coach M Venkataramana.
Considering that Venkataramana himself is a district cricketer — he hails from Madurai — who went on to play for India, the off-spinner understands the mindset of district cricketers.
“Many district cricketers suffer from an inferiority complex compared to city counterparts. My job is to get rid of that and make them play to their true potential. District boys are good listeners and grasp whatever we teach them quickly. They have improved a lot.”
ashokv@newindianexpress.com