CHENNAI: At a time when the Tamil Nadu senior side is struggling to get its combination correct in Ranji Trophy due to neutral venues, it is heartening to note that the state U-19 side is doing well. Recently, the TN boys won the South Zone Vinoo Mankad one-day tournament held at Hyderabad.
Former Tamil Nadu all-rounder and U-19 coach D J Gokulakrishnan is pleased with the way his boys played and won the tournament. “It was a brilliant show by the boys. It was team work that led us to victory,” said Gokulakrishnan.
In the last few years, the U-19 sides have been talented but have narrowly missed out on bagging the crown. “We missed out on the title on two previous occasions as we were done in by net run-rate. But this time we were prepared and I’m glad that the boys played as a unit and that key players contributed at crucial junctures,” explained Gokul, who was one of the few players from the state to achieve the unique double of 1000 runs and 100 wickets in first class cricket.
There were several notable performances but coach picks Abhishek’s ton and the all-round effort by S Kishen Kumar. “The wickets were good except for the last game against Kerala. I was impressed by Abhishek as he scored a ton while chasing against Hyderabad,” revealed the Tuti Patriots assistant coach.
Gokul is confident that many of the boys can make it big in the Tamil Nadu Premier League, but will have to wait a while before making inroads into the Ranji Trophy squad. “There were lot of challenges and the boys learnt a lot. There are a few who can make it to the TNPL. Too early to predict who will make it to the Ranji team. But there are talented players like Ajith Ram, Kishen who can make the cut,” revealed Gokul.
“Kishen in particular is a good prospect and he has it in him to mature into a quality leg-spinner,” added the coach.