CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu Cricket Association’s age-group tournaments for city as well as district cricketers separately have paid rich dividends. It has helped identify and groom talents.
First, the state U-19 side won the South Zone Vinoo Mankad one-day tournament in Hyderabad. Now, four Tamil Nadu players have found berths in the BCCI’s U-19 Challenger tournament to be played in Bilaspur of Himachal Pradesh from October 26-29. Daryl S Ferrario, S Lokeshwar, S Ajith Ram, RS Jaganath Srinivas have all been named in the India Blue squad. Like in the Challenger for seniors, the other two teams are named India Red and Green.
Former Tamil Nadu all-rounder and U-19 coach DJ Gokulakrishnan is pleased that the good work done by his charges is getting noticed. Batsman and off-spinner Daryl made his mark playing for Don Bosco, Egmore. He represents Kerala in junior events. Lokeshwar is a wicketkeeper-batsman, Ajith Ram a left-arm spinner and Jaganath Srinivas a medium pacer.
“I’m happy these boys have got recognition. It was a brilliant show by them in Hyderabad,” said Gokulakrishnan. The Challenger is an important event, considering that performance there can fetch an India U-19 berth. “It’s a crucial stage in a player’s life. The Challenger offers an excellent platform to showcase talent and take the next step. To reach the Challenger the boys have done well in zonal and inter-zonal events,” said Gokul.
Junior national selection committee chairman Venkatesh Prasad was present at the matches. “Venky watched games in Hyderabad. He had first hand knowledge of the boys. Credit to him for picking the hardworking and dedicated boys,” said Gokul.
The former medium pacer wants the boys to enjoy their game. “Momentum is important. I want the boys to continue what they have been doing to the best of their abilities. They should enjoy their game and not put pressure on themselves. They should take these as an extension of what that have been doing,” advised Gokul, insisting that opportunities do not come every now and then.
ashok.v@newindianexpress.com