CHOKERS OF INDIAN DOMESTIC LEAGUE

CHOKERS OF DOMESTIC LEAGUE

This article is an insight on one of the teams in Ranji Trophy – India’s premier domestic tournament. Those following Indian cricket will know what I mean to say. While Mumbai has been the dominant force of Domestic field in India, last 2 decades have seen 2 teams constantly challenging Mumbai from South in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Both the sides blessed with immense talent have been among top performers over the past 2 decades.

Karnataka however with its legendary heroes Kumble, Dravid, Srinath and Prassad apart from consistent performers have managed to hold on the Trophy more than a couple of times in recent 20 years. But with Tamilnadu it has been a similar story. Be it Zonal methods of early 1990s or Super Leagues of late 1990s and early 2000s or the Elite-Plate groups now, TN had been one team that has been consistently on Top of Points table most times just to lose the Knock outs. Regular Semis exit (4 times) and being Runners Up (thrice) and few more QF loss means TN falters to deceive at critical stage.

A look into the Tamilnadu team gives a good idea. They have always been strong batting line up and usually have one of Top 3 run getters every season in their line up. Opened by Mukund and Vijay they have best opening combination in Country’s domestic scene and Mukund is following Vijay’s footstep to enter the Team India’s bench. Middle order is strongest of the league too. Arun Karhik has been a star in his second season bats at #3 followed by Badrinath, Domestic Run Machine and Kaarthik, who until recently was India’s No 1 reserve be it for Opener or Middleorder or keeping. Nextup is Anirudha (Srikanth’s son who opens in absence of Vijay too) a hard hitting batsman and Satish, an ICL hero. Ganapathy is an excellent allrounder of Irfan Pathan mode. Tail consisting of Ashwin (with a firstclass century), Balaji all can bat a bit too.

Coming on Reserves, Vasudev Das had a good season at No 5 for TN this time and Ganapathy Vignesh can be destructive bat when in song.

Bowling is not that bad, though is comparatively lesser forte. Balaji and Ashwin lead the respective departments and well for an Indian discard, Balaji is having decent returns every season. Ashwin needs no vouching but definitely most exciting spin prospect in India right now. Suresh Kumar is proving a worthy replacement to Ashwin in last 2 seasons too. Aushik Srinivas is another prodigy promising to have a great career in future. Yo Mahesh was an Under 19 star of India. Suresh is also not a pushover either. Prabhu has been good recently.

Earlier before the present group line up read : Ramesh, Sriram , Badani, Sharath all of whom made ti Team India apart Sharath who deserved it too. Batting has been forte for Tamil Nadu always and bowling has been decent if not great. Yet they managed to be the Best side on every League only to disappoint in the Knock Out and Final hurdle. What is the reason is beyond explanation though. They have choked at last moment every time.

Now this leaves me wondering! Is Tamilnadu side akin to INDIA team in International Cricket for having Terrific and best batting line up and a decent but not great bowling line up and yet manage to come on top 4 mostly or is TN the South Africa of Domestic League for despite topping Round 1, they choke at the Semis or Finals.

Tamilnadu in last Decade and half:-

2010-11 Semis Loss Vs Rajasthan (by First Innings deficit)

2009-10 Quarter Final Loss Vs Delhi (by First Innings deficit)

2008-09 Semis Loss Vs Uttar Pradesh (by First Innings deficit)

2007-08 Quarters Loss Vs Delhi (By losing match)

2006-07 Missing out Semis being 3^rd in Group

2005-06 Missing out Semis being 3^rd in Group

2004-05 Missing out Semis being 4^th in Group

2003-04 Final Loss Vs Mumbai (by First Innings deficit)

2002-03 Final Loss Vs Mumbai (By Losing the Match)

2001-02 Quarter Final Loss Vs Railways (by First innings deficit)

2000-01 Quarter Final Loss Vs Baroda (by Losing the match)

1999-00 Semis Loss Vs Mumbai (By First Innings deficit)

1998-99 Quarter Final Loss Vs Punjab (By First Innings deficit)

1997-98 Suspended from Super League Phase with Delhi

1996-97 Missed out Quarters

1995-96 Final Loss Vs Karnataka (by First Innings deficit)