Of first class knocks and the Indian door
Last updated at 4.00pm, Nov 29, 2007

Gaurav Pandey

Tamil Nadu and Karnataka engaged in a tough Ranji Match at Chepauk stadium. Visible in the background are empty stands.(Photo : Gaurav Pandey.)

Thick clouds punctuated the clean sunlight throughout the match. A pleasant breeze blew offering some relief to the hapless bowlers on a dead strip, stripped off the remains of any vegetation. A gentle push signaled the arrival of the southpaw. The exuberance on the face of Abhinav Mukund after he scored a century in his first innings in Ranji Trophy said it all. Within a few hours, the debutant had become the debonair, sweeping and driving with flair. And though the match between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka ended in a draw that would look drab on the score sheet, it brought to light the exceptional skill and the spirit of contest at the first class level.

Having lost to Mumbai in just three days, a week back, Tamil Nadu had their backs to the wall and they did not disappoint the few connoisseurs who watched them. Without their stalwart, Dinesh Karthick, the youngsters rose to the challenge against the traditionally strong Karnataka.

Buoyed by the phenomenal third wicket 139 runs partnership between Mukund and skipper S. Badrinath and a late flourish by all rounder R.Ramkumar, Tamil Nadu scored a healthy 421 in the first innings. Karnataka was then bundled out for 221 largely due to the efforts of pacer P. Amarnath who claimed his maiden five-wicket haul and Ramkumar who chipped in withfour wickets. Choosing not to enforce the follow-on, Tamil Nadu declared their second innings at 185 for six wickets leaving Karnataka to score an arduous 386 runs on the last day. Karnataka ended up with 170 for three wickets allowing Tamil Nadu full points on the basis of the first innings lead.

The match presented many stirring moments and long hours of dogged application. A desperate dive by the talented left arm spinner K. Appana in an unsuccessful attempt to hold on to a heave; Badrinath, who scored his ninth Ranji century, coming down the track to calm Mukund whenever the youngster showed any signs of inexperience; the persistence of Karnataka seamer N. Aiyappa in the second innings, even claiming the centurian of the first innings, Mukund, for a duck, highlighting the cruel nature of the game once again; exceptional bowling by Yo Mahesh, the Tamil Nadu seamer, unlucky not to have claimed more than a paltry wicket and the sudden rush of blood from Mukund that saw him being run out after his majestic effort.

Selector K. Ramaswamy was all praise for Mukund, “He’s a very exciting player. The way he batted did not look like it’s his first match. I’m sure he’ll serve Tamil Nadu and Indian cricket for a long time,” he exclaimed. That, in a way, told us exactly what was wrong with Indian cricket. While a good performance should be praised, one should be wary of piling excessive praise and putting pressure on the youngsters.

Picturing a bright future for a youngster after a single innings played on a wicket where one could easily milk the bowling without taking undue risk, is uncalled for. Playing at this level is a feat no less. In a country like India where talent alone is often not enough, these players are fortunate to be where they are. Whether they make it to the international team or not is secondary.

One can’t deny the weight of expectations though. The subdued aspiration was evident in the words of S. Narayanan, a former Tamil Nadu first class player: Being selected for India depends as much on luck as on skills. We have had players like S. Sarath who scored prolifically in domestic cricket but never got the much cherished India call. Even players like S. Ramesh and W. V. Raman, who was the best left hander in his time in the country, never got enough chances.

There was hardly anyone in the stadium, on four encouraging days for spectators. The same people don’t hesitate to wait in queues for hours on hot sweltering days to occupy even the remotest corner of the stadium for an International match. The difference in the quality of cricket was not much, yet the stands went empty, barring a few media persons and others associated with the beefy Tamil Nadu Cricket Association.

This only reaffirms the belief that Indians don’t celebrate the sport, they celebrate the stars; more concerned about the outcome than the journey. That’s why a Badrinath, a Sarath and a Mahesh would always be talked about as struggling hopefuls rather than exceptional first class players. It is this outlook that needs to change to appreciate the true spirit of a game.