CHENNAI: In the first match of TNPL’s second edition, defending champions Tuti Patriots survived a scare and beat Dindigul Dragons by a wafer thin margin. That raises the question of what will be a safe score and how matches will pan out in the next few weeks this season.
“All teams have done their homework well and have good knowledge about the wicket, conditions and the opposition. Players too have understood what works in T20 and thus there will be no easy games. Every match will be exciting and have a close finish,” said JR Madanagopal, coach of Tuti Patriots.
“We thought 180 would be a par score on the Chepauk wicket, but looking at the way Dindigul played, I think 190-195 would be safer in this edition,” added the former Tamil Nadu batsman and respected umpire.
On the other hand, M Venkatramana, coach of Dindigul Dragons, believes nothing can be taken for granted. “In T20, there is nothing like a safe score.
Had Ganga Sridhar Raju continued till the end, we would have won. 180 was a gettable score. What is important is that we should have someone like Vivek Raj, who can hammer the opposition in the final overs.”
Both coaches agree that a settled batsman must stay till the end, as there are not many finishers in the league.
“Washington gave a good start and had he stayed till the end, we would have gotten to the 200 run-mark. We don’t have someone like Vivek Raj who can play aggressively at the lower middle-order.
“Many teams don’t have finishers like MS Dhoni and Yuvraj Singh, so maximising available resources is all we can do. A player who begins well must stay till the end and play the role of the finisher’s,” said Madanagopal.
Asked if toss would be a factor, he said, “Only when there is dew. Gripping the ball will become difficult for many youngsters because they are not that experienced.”
ashok.v@newindianexpress.com