Time for bowlers to step up, says Jagadeesan

“It is more situation-based and not pre-planned. We have good batting depth in our side, so whichever player we assign the responsibility, he is taking it up and is playing his role well,” said Venkataramana during the pre-match press conference on Monday. 

Tuti Patriots and defending champion Chepauk Super Gillies have failed to make it to the final four stage in the third edition of TNPL. A new champion will be crowned in the state league this year. Talking about it, he added, “It is the result of the draft system and this season, we have the best four teams in the top four which I think is a welcome sign for the TNPL. We decided to retain players with proven credentials. R Vivek was a dark horse in the first season, and he has delivered whenever required.” 

Dragons got the better of Madurai Panthers in the league phase. But, the coach said it counts for nothing as teams only focus on what is ahead of it. “We go match by match. What we achieved in the league, we are putting it behind and we are looking forward to playing according to the situation.” 

Meanwhile stand-in skipper Narayanan Jagadeesan felt his bowlers will have to deliver the goods if it expects to get past the Panthers on Tuesday. “We need to work a lot on our bowling. We did well in the last match with the ball but we must carry forward the momentum. It is time for the bowlers to step up and get wickets,” remarked Jagadeesan.  

Dragons lost in the semi-finals during the first season. On being back in the top four spots, he said, “The first season went very quickly, we were still adapting to the game. Now, we have a much more balanced team, the players are stepping up and are taking extra responsibilities assigned to them. I think we have a good shot this season.”