Vidyut worried about misfiring top-order

TNCA President’s XI coach Vidyut Sivaramakrishnan has reasons to be happy with the serene progress his team has enjoyed en route to the semi-finals of the Kalpathi AGS Buchi Babu tournament. 

The President’s XI registered an identical six-wicket margin wins over both Kerala and Assam in the league phase. However, Vidyut acknowledged that there were some concerns that needed to be addressed. 

“I’m satisfied with how the bowlers and the fielders have shown commitment and intensity in the first two matches. What worries me is the batting. In both the matches, the batsmen who were set couldn’t see the game through and it’s time they took more responsibility,” said Vidyut. 

Asked if the absence of regular captain B Indrajith, who is away playing Duleep Trophy, would impinge on his team’s title-winning chances, Vidyut said his absence would give an opportunity for the youngsters to rise to the occasion. 

“This is the best chance the fringe players will get to make their presence felt. That’s why even in the match against Assam, I gave an opportunity to the young left-handed batsman Pradosh Ranjan Paul. It would be easy for us to win with all the seasoned players such as B Aparajith, Indrajith and Dinesh Karthik. I hope these youngsters will seize these chances and that in turn will only increase the reserve pool,” added the 35-year-old. One player in the President’s XI who is lapping up all the attention coming his way is the left-arm spinner Rahil S Shah. After helping his team enter the semi-finals with yet another five-for, Rahil has now turned his attention to the Board President’s XI match against the visiting Australians at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on September 12. “I’m extremely happy with the call-up to the Board President’s XI. It is any budding cricketer’s dream to play against Australia. It’s good to finally see that my performances have been rewarded. 

“Tamil Nadu won the Vijay Hazare and Deodhar Trophy last season and this Australia match will be a perfect platform for both Washington Sundar and me to showcase our talent,” said the 31-year-old. Rahil, though, would miss the Buchi Babu semi-final, but he didn’t waste any time in reminding that in the event of his team reaching the final, he would most certainly be back. 

“We are confident of doing well in the semi-finals and my services will be available to them for the all-important final if we make it,” added Rahil. The Australian tour match apart, there is something of even more importance occupying Rahil’s thoughts. “It’s our collective dream to win the Ranji Trophy for the first time in more than three decades. 

“The present team has forged a good bond with one another and we performed well at neutral venues in the preceding season to reach the last four stage. We have to take steps to not falter in the home stretch of the campaign,” remarked Rahil. 

Rahil also echoed the thoughts of many of his peers who are glad that the home-away format is back in place for the upcoming Ranji season.