CHENNAI: MS Dhoni believes the TNPL is an ideal platform to spot talent and that T20 skills can come in handy in the other formats of the game. He is of the opinion that T20 has led to better fitness, improved skills of batsmen and bowlers.
“It’s an excellent opportunity for youngsters to make a mark and play first-class cricket for Tamil Nadu. Some of those who did well got an opportunity to play in the IPL. It’s a platform for youngsters to play with established players and prove their worth,” said Dhoni before the start of edition two on Saturday.
Washington Sundar seemed to have taken those words very seriously. The youngster who made an impression as off-spinner in the IPL playing with Dhoni for the Pune franchise, displayed all-round skills to help defending champions Tuti Patriots defeat Dindigul Dragons by seven runs.
Washington made 69 off 48 with eight fours and two sixes. His gentle off-spin fetched the wickets of N Jagadeesan, M Ashwin and Ganga Sridhar Raju. As long as Raju and R Vivek were there, Dindigul had a chance. Once Vivek was run out by a direct hit by Aushik Srinivas from point, the match was as good as over.
Earlier, Washington and Kaushik Gandhi (46) raised 107 for the first wicket in 10.4 overs. Washington has learnt from Dhoni how to pace an innings and also, how to bowl in different situations. All of it came in handy as he ripped the attack apart.
The Dindigul skipper was clueless how to contain Washington and employed eight bowlers with no luck. Even M Ashwin made no difference. The left-handed batsman cut, swept, pulled and showed maturity in shot selection. “Washington is a quick learner. He’s ambitious and has matured a lot in the last year or so. He never shies away from responsibility and that’s his hallmark,” opined JR Madanagopal, coach of Tuti Patriots.
Dhoni delights fans
The fun-loving person in Dhoni was visible before the start as he enthralled fans with his sense of humour. He also congratulated Chennai Super Kings for returning to the IPL.
In a six-hitting contest, he was the winner as well. Matthew Hayden, Mohit Sharma, S Badrinath, Pawan Negi and Anirudha Srikkanth faced the bowling machine, which was operated by Dhoni for some time.
Hayden sent a few over the ropes, so did Anirudha.
When his turn came to bat, Dhoni hit all the balls deep into the stands and emerged the winner. He also did the pitch report with commentator Dean Jones. The crowd enjoyed every moment of his presence.
Tuti Patriots 184/4 in 20 ovs (Washington Sundar 69, Kaushik Gandhi 46) bt Dindigul Dragons 177/7 in 20 ovs (Ganga Sridhar Raju 66, R Vivek 36, Washinton Sundar 3/34).
ashok.v@newindianexpress.com