CHENNAI: Madurai Super Giant are in a position that no team would wish to be. They are yet to register a win in TNPL 2017, having lost all three so far. Add their 2016 show when they lost all games, it’s been a winless run over 10 games.
But skipper KB Arun Karthik is optimistic that his team has the potential to reverse the trend and is looking forward to Sunday’s game against Chepauk Super Gillies to turn the tide. “We are a good side.
This team has shown signs of improvement in batting and bowling from last season. But as a unit we are yet to click. We are hopeful that we will win on Sunday,” said the batsman. The Madurai team this season is a completely revamped one.
“There are a lot of new guys and the combination is not working. We have four more games to go and are keen to play positively,’’ said the former Assam vice-captain.
The main problem is that many in the Madurai team, like Francis Rokins, who have done well in the TNCA league are yet to translate that success in the T20 format.
“What is hurting us is the lack of experience of some of the guys in this format. There are new players whose understanding of T20 is poor. We have given them the best possible advice and training, it’s up to them to deliver,’’ said Arun Karthik. On the other hand, Chepauk Super Gillies coach Hemang Badani feels his team is blessed, since the youngsters have been able to adapt to the slam-bang version. “You don’t have to coach the established names.
They know the process. But it’s the youngsters, who have just learnt about T20, or some who are in the process of learning, that need coaching. Luckily, many of the boys have shown maturity from last season and improved,’’ he said After a loss to Tuti Patriots, Chepauk Super Gillies defeated Karaikudi Kaalai. “As I said earlier, the boys have shown maturity. They switch on and switch off and don’t carry any hangover. Guys like Sai Kishore have shown a lot of maturity in handling situations.
Alexander and Karthik are some of the boys who are talented, good learners. In T20 things happen fast, but when boys deliver and play the role they are expected to, it makes the coach’s job easy,” said Badani. Saturday’s results: Dindigul Dragons 154/7 in 20 ovs (Ashwin V 41; Jesuraj R 2/17) bt Ruby Trichy Warriors 131/7 in 20 ovs (Prabhu M 25; Wilkins V 2/16); VB Thiruvallur Veerans 165/4 in 20 ovs( Sanjay Yadav R 60, Aparajith B 58; Ganesh Moorthi M 2/21) lost to Tuti Patriots 171/4 in 19.1 ovs (Kasuhik G 52; Silambarasan R 2/25).
ashok.v@newindianexpress.com