TN must pull up their socks
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It’s no surprise that Tamil Nadu’s bowling has come under severe test in the ongoing Ranji Trophy. For Dinesh Karthik and Co. to do what the state has not done in the last 23 seasons, speedster L. Balaji and off-spinner R. Ashwin have to click collectively. Fitness is a concern for the hardworking Balaji while Ashwin may be away for long on national duty.
Having garnered 10 points from four games, Tamil Nadu are placed second among eight teams in Group A but the next two games against Bengal and Mumbai will present a better picture of where the team stands. Batsmen have performed around par and the absence of M. Vijay has not been felt much. The same cannot be said of the bowling department.
“The batsmen failed in one game (Delhi) and that can happen to any side. There are adequate replacements for M. Vijay but it will be a tough ask for the side to lead a good campaign in the absence of Ashwin,” said former Ranji skipper Sunil Subramaniam.
Balaji has bowled tirelessly and without complaint for the state side but to squeeze all his energy before the business end of the tournament will not be a wise move. To expect the batmen to pile up scores in excess of 500 every time is also not practical. “Ashwin and Balaji are the two proven customers in the attack and it is important to keep the pressure from both ends. The other bowlers will have to be tight as well,” explained Sunil.
Having done an exhaustive research on TN’s dipping bowling standards over the last three decades, Sunil has the necessary data to throw light on the subject. In the 90s Tamil Nadu was picking close to 15 wickets per match and it has varied between 10-13 in the last decade. In Balaji’s absence the statistics is not even worth a mention,” added Sunil.
Mumbai are leading with 14 points. TN and Gujarat are tied at second place with 10 points each. Delhi and Bengal have eight points and will be potential threats to Tamil Nadu’s chances. With the top three sides qualifying for the quarterfinals, the race will be hot from now. The TN think tank must have its answers ready quickly.
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