Tamil Nadu have partially fulfilled their promise by making the semi-finals of the Ranji Trophy. For a side blessed with a talented top-order and experience in the bowling department, Tamil Nadu should be dreaming of higher deeds this summer. Having dominated the one-day mix, it’s time for the state side to stamp their authority in the longer version too.

The road to the last four was not smooth. Weather had its part to play in making life tougher but Tamil Nadu found their men for the season, none bigger than the ever-dependable S. Badrinath who has accumulated 747 runs at an outstanding average of 106.71. The highest wicket-taker is off-spinner R. Ashwin who has scalped 24 wickets will be missed as he will be away on national duty. The onus will now be solely on speedster L. Balaji.

Top run getters

S. Badrinath: He is to Tamil Nadu what Rahul Dravid is to India. Consistency has been Badri’s hallmark for long and being constantly overlooked by the national selectors has not put him down a bit. The right-hander continues to be a pillar of strength in the top-order. The rare failure against Haryana could actually be a blessing in disguise, his resolve in the semi-finals could only be more. Having set a target to match VVS Laxman’s exploits in 2000-01, Badri might not end up with those numbers but has once again proved his solid presence and excellent work ethics.

Matches: 8, Runs: 747, Hg: 195, Avg: 106.71.

Abhinav Mukund: Things have happened quickly for the 20-year-old. An amazing appetite for tall scores has been Abhinav’s strength. Having proved himself against moderate oppositions, it’s time to contribute in crunch situations at the business end of the tournament. There have been question marks on technique against the moving ball, all that and more will be answered if he can stand tall against Rajasthan. A lot will depend on the platform he provides at the top.

Matches: 8, Runs: 573, Hg: 232, Avg: 57.30.

R. Sathish: India’s best fielder showed glimpses of prowess with the bat. A fine player under pressure, Sathish played his best knock for Tamil Nadu in the quarterfinals when the chips were down and the conditions were loaded in favour of the bowlers. Though his defence is not watertight, Sathish is at his best when attacking and playing his natural game. The confidence must help him continue in the same vein. For long he has been the nearly man of TN cricket and now has a chance to erase all those memories.

Matches: 7, Runs: 271, Hg: 106, Avg: 45.16.

Top wicket-takers

R. Ashwin: In spite of switching from limited overs to duration cricket often, Ashwin has been delivering the goods. A match haul of 11 wickets against Delhi showed what he is capable of at this level. Ashwin’s tally of 24 wickets will be stalled, as he will take no further part in the national championships. His ability will be sorely missed. Another season where he might have not been able to fulfill his dreams but full credit for doing well whenever he donned the state colours.

Matches: 5, Wkts: 24, Best: 6/87, Avg: 24.20.

L. Balaji: The pacer has been tireless in a season where niggles have kept him away from being at his best. The 11-over spell against Haryana showed his commitment. Balaji is not getting any younger and would yearn for firepower from the other end. His bag of 12 wickets is not an indication of the effort that has gone in. The 28-year-old has to be at his best if the title has to be regained after 22 long years.

Matches: 6, Wkts: 12, Best: 4/32, Avg: 22.58.

S. Suresh Kumar: His call up was a huge surprise but what has been a bigger surprise has been his performance with the ball. While bagging six wickets, Suresh Kumar played a key role in TN gaining the first innings lead over defending champions Mumbai. He followed it with five wickets against Gujarat. The batting all-rounder in all probability will be filling in for Ashwin in the semi-final. Going by the rhythm, Suresh should have a good outing.

Matches: 3, Wkts: 11, Best; 4/42, Avg: 9.90.