State cricket: ‘Team spirit should be the credo’

D. Vasu is convinced about team-spirit being the mantra to take State cricket forward. The new Director of the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA) Academy does not hold back his views on the subject.

When The Hindu caught up with Vasu on Friday, he said, “Apart from getting the cricketers ready physically and technically, we need to inculcate a feeling of togetherness. What we lack, even at the senior level, is that ability to play together as a team. When the chips are down, the players need to help each other out. Even if some of them do not get along personally, they need to put that behind for the sake of the team. Make sure that they give 100 per cent for Tamil Nadu.”

He added, “All your talent is of no value if it does not benefit the team.”

While much focus has been on the shortcomings in the State bowling, Vasu said, “What has really been harming the team is the inability of the batsmen to play long innings. It’s a mindset issue. If you look at the Ranji season, only four Tamil Nadu batsmen got hundreds.”

Turning his attention to bowling, he said, “The spinners should be able to get batsmen out on good wickets. And the pacemen need to sustain their consistency over spells.”

Vasu said one of the major problems for State cricket has been the number of young cricketers dropping out of the game between 14 and 16. “That is the time many decide whether to pursue cricket or studies. Young cricketers should not give up if they do not get picked in the team. Some of them could blossom late. We have the best infrastructure and facilities. And I am here to help the players, build trust.”

Talking about support staff, Vasu said former India off-spinner M. Venkataramana would be joining the coaching team during the summer camp. “Fitness trainer Ramji Srinivasan has also expressed a willingness to be associated with the Academy.”

He said the Academy pacemen would be sent to Sri Ramachandra Sports Medicine Centre for a free fitness evaluation.

Vasu revealed he would be stepping down as a coach in the chucking protocol of the BCCI and IPL to avoid a conflict of interest.