TNPL is a good platform for state cricketers: Azhar

In the city to launch the jersey and anthem of Chepauk Super Gillies for the upcoming Tamil Nadu Premier League, the Hyderabad-born batsman said the advent of the TNPL couldn’t have been timed better. “The league offers a great opportunity to unearth talent from different parts of the state which will widen the talent pool in Tamil Nadu. One good factor is that the league can give players an instant recognition. A couple of good innings or good overs can get a player into the limelight soon, thereby creating a huge talent pool. I hope other states can follow suit and we can have more leagues in the future,” he said. 

The stylish batsman was in the news recently after he suggested Pakistan batsman Younis Khan to stand within the crease and play the moving ball late during their recent England tour. The idea worked like a charm for Younis, as he scored a match winning 200 and helped Pakistan square the series. “The important thing was he was willing to listen and work on the problem. Younis was playing like a joker. I told him the same thing. He has 31 Test hundreds and so much runs. So, I told him that’s not how you play swing bowling. It was very good of him to implement my suggestion and acknowledge,” the 53-year-old added. 

However, does the batsman have any suggestions for Virat Kolhi? “Every batsman has his own flaws. No batsman is perfect. I am not saying he has a flaw. But when the ball swings he might struggle a little bit. As of now he is playing very well since we play a lot of cricket here where the ball doesn’t swing that much. But if you want to play well in England, you’ve to play in wickets that aids swing. We will see when we get there,” he said.

The former skipper had great respect for the knowledge and sporting spirit of the Chepauk crowd and admitted that a lot has changed, including the cricket. “I used to know everything about the city but now I have forgotten some of the roads. And cricket wise, the bowling has become weaker. You do not have many quality bowlers now,” he added.