Tuti Patriots coach JR Madanagopal hopeful of retaining TNPL title
CHENNAI: Former Tamil Nadu batsman JR Madanagopal is one of the most sought after umpires and coaches in the city. A year ago, he helped Vijay CC to triple triumphs in the TNCA league and he also guided Tuti Patriots to bag the TNPL crown in the inaugural edition.
L Balaji while speaking to Express during the launch of the Chennai leg of second edition of TNPL had a word of praise for coach Madanagopal.
He acknowledged that the soft-spoken, genial and hard-working Madanagopal’s contribution was one of the major reasons for Tuti Patriots winning the title last year. “Coaching became a natural extension after I retired from first-class cricket and I enjoy doing that. I was player-cum-coach for Grand Slam and UFCC. Later, I took over Vijay CC. Then came the opportunity to coach Tuti Patriots,” said Madanagopal, who has been involved in coaching for the past 11 years.
He has a knack of spotting and nurturing talent. He also helped some established players to iron out their flaws. “I like to watch and observe players during matches. I put across what I want succinctly to the players, so that they feel the inputs are for their betterment and not forced upon them. P Amarnath, M Raja, KB Arun Karthik are some of the players I worked closely with during my stint with Vijay CC,” explained the 42-year-old.
Apart from being an umpire, Mandanagopal was also a part of the BCCI panel umpiring at the junior level games and U-23 games fixtures 2007. With more matches being telecast, umpires are under pressure as their mistakes can get glorified.“No umpire can claim to be hundred percent right always. I never put myself under undue pressure and always try to give the best possible decision in the split-second time that we get to take a call,” he explained. He also says that it helps to minimise umpire’s error in the future.
He has been fourth umpire in IPL for two seasons and has seen lot of talent emerging from the premier league. “T20 requires different set of skills. I have worked with most of Tuti Patriots players in TNCA league, which makes my job easier. We have a good side and are confident of doing well this season too,” signed of Madanagopal.
ashok.v@newindianexpress.com