Prasanna adds teeth to TN
Tags:
Ramaswamy Prasanna has answered his critics well (including this correspondent).
The fighting hundred against Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy semi final was a continuation of his good work this season.
After three half-centuries, the most vital being the one against Delhi against a quality attack, the three figure knock was only on expected lines.
“To score against Mumbai in Mumbai is a highly satisfying experience and one that everyone dreams of in domestic cricket.
I am thrilled to have contributed to the success of the side. The season has been great with every player chipping in with vital contributions,” said Prasanna who has also represented Tripura in the national championships.
Prasanna’s inclusion this season was attributed more to his corporate loyalty than merit. To an extent it seemed valued as the southpaw was not part of the set up for the last two years and had not done anything extraordinary to seek a place among the best in the state. What turned things in the 29-year-old’s favour was the faith shown by the senior players in his ability to graft for tough runs.
The start this season was not sound and that put further pressure on Prasanna. After failing to get past 20 in his first three innings, the turnaround came in Ahmedabad against Gujarat where he scored 69. Then the runs flowed against Delhi and Bengal that justified his selection.
“I am thankful to my colleagues, my employers – India Cements and the Ranji Trophy support staff. It was their constant encouragement that kept me going. I sincerely hope to carry the good work forward,” added Prasanna.
For a batsman who has built his game on defence, Prasanna is not the one who brings great flourish at the crease but he has made up for lack of flair with an effective method. Age was also a reason attributed against Prasanna when he was recalled to the team in November. But what has worked in his favour is his good work ethic and better fitness. It should not come as a surprise that Prasanna is liked by one and all in the dressing room.
“He is as hard working as anyone of us and one in whom I believed completely. He has always been a fantastic team man and I am pleased with the way things have worked out for him lately,” said Indian off-spinner R. Ashwin from Australia.
What laid the foundation for Prasanna’s success was his intent belief and urge to keep working on his game in spite of not being a part of the Ranji squad over the last two years.
With S. Badrinath providing solidity at the top and quality stroke players around him to get on top of any attack, the only missing link in the TN batting was the pivotal No. 6 position.
Prasanna’s methods looks to have filled that big gap and place the side as one of the true batting powerhouses in the country.
Post new comment