Vasudevan happy to be CSG’s ‘go to’ fielder

Chepauk Super Gillies have been one such team where the unit has excelled in fielding too. Good catches, good throwing and sharp saves have been instrumental in pegging the opposition back.

While Gillies haven’t tinkered with their playing XI, their first choice substitute S I Vasudevan has been vital in their wins. Vasudevan, who played the first game against Albert Tuti Patriots and fielded for a good 10 overs in their team’s last league match against VB Thiruvallur Veerans, has been the go-to man in times of need.

Vasudevan said he was happy to be in the team’s first choice fielders. “The team believes on my capabilities and that is a big boost. It is not easy to field well in front of big crowds and under the lights with the white ball, but I am happy to have pulled off my responsibilities well, in times of need,” Vasudevan said.

The 22-year-old from Salem didn’t have a regular coaching in his formative years and has a never-say-die attitude. “It comes from experience. I used to play in my hometown on uneven grounds and initially was afraid to field properly, fearing injuries. But once, when I was fielding at silly point, a batsman’s full-bloodied cut shot hit my palm with full force and that removed all fears in me,” Vasudevan said.

The all-rounder credits CSG skipper Rajagopal Sathish, assistant coaches Avinash and Rupesh for exhaustive fielding drills. “We practice high catching with a baseball bat as it is the first time we are playing with the white ball. Judging high catches comes with experience and intense training sessions have helped us a lot. Now we are doing well as games go on and have earned the tag of a good fielding side,” the 22-year-old added.

Not surprising, Vasudevan enjoys the fielding drills to the maximum. “We are split into two teams and practice direct hits. Each team who hits the single stump after fielding the ball gets a point. Bantering, booing and cheering becomes a part of the activity and it makes us better fielders in an attempt to outsmart each other,” Vasudevan added.

The Salem boy credits his coach Chandramouli and close-friend R Rohit (who plays for Thiruvalur Veerans) for his rise in cricket. “They have helped me and taught me many things when I needed them. It is because of them what I am today. Their positive attitude has rubbed on me immensely,” Vasudevan added.