‘TN is home away from home’

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Jharkhand's loss has proved to be Tamil Nadu's gain.

Off-spinner Sunny Gupta, who shifted his loyalties from the eastern state to ply his trade in Chennai, played a major role in Tamil Nadu's dramatic draw against Haryana in the Ranji Trophy last weekend.

Gupta- the batsman - came together with Abhinav Mukund to bail Tamil Nadu out of deep waters in the first innings. The duo produced a vital seventh-wicket stand of 90 in 27.3 overs that helped the hosts take the all important first-innings lead.

Abhinav, who scored a sparkling double hundred in that innings, would later go on to add: "It was a crucial innings by Sunny considering the time in which he came in. Haryana bowlers were on top and appeared confident of running through our late order. But Sunny showed a lot of maturity to hang in there. My partnership with Sunny was definitely instrumental in us taking the lead."

This was Gupta's second Ranji game for Tamil Nadu, he made his first class debut for Jharkhand seven seasons ago. The 23-year-old, who turns out for Globe Trotters (MRF) in the senior division league, returned with impressive match figures of five for 112 in 42.3 overs against Haryana. The youngster is confident of continuing his good show and wants to make it count each time he dons the state colours.

On his first-innings knock of 37 against Haryana: Their bowlers started to get the rhythm back, so it was important for us to see off that particular spell where we started leaking wickets. We didn't want to take any chances against leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal.

The idea was to take our score as close as possible to theirs without losing a wicket. I was initially nervous walking in to bat in the first innings. I kept telling myself to be patient and not commit a mistake. I just wanted to stay at the wicket and give Abhinav as much support as possible.

After settling down, I tried to play my natural attacking game. If it was in my zone, I went after it. On Abhinav Mukund's influence during his stay at the crease: Abhinav's presence at the other end helped me calm my nerves. He kept motivating me regularly. Abhinav played a classy knock on a wicket that was not conducive to run-scoring. And to register a double hundred on this track was a supreme effort.

On his role as an all-rounder: Nowadays, it is important for a cricketer to be well-rounded; it helps you bring that much more to the table. My coach at MRF, M. Senthilnathan made me understand that I will be a better value addition at this level if I can contribute in all departments.

On playing for Tamil Nadu: It's amazing to play for a side like Tamil Nadu. I was extremely happy after taking my first wicket for Tamil Nadu. It was a proud moment and I hope I will have many more. I am lucky to be part of such a high-quality dressing room. Every member of the team including the support staff have welcomed me with open arms. For me Chennai is second home.

On settling down in Chennai: After getting a job at the MRF, I shifted my base to Chennai three years ago. But prior to that, I did my higher secondary studies at St. Patrick's and then Loyola for a year. So the association with Chennai has been for more than three years. And after these many years, I have developed a strong bond with the city. I can understand Tamil; though conversation is still a problem.

On playing cricket here: Cricket set-up in Tamil Nadu is very professional. 'Cricket first' is always the mantra here. The city's senior division league is highly competitive. The same cannot be said about Jharkhand, which affected my progress quite a bit.

I have learnt and enhanced my game further while playing for Globe Trotters. Our team skipper S. Sriram has helped me immensely.