Where are the Kapil Devs?
A few glaring omissions notwithstanding, the two 16-member teams announced by the senior state selection committee for the all-India Buchi Babu tournament, was on expected lines.
The one link that has always been found missing is the genuine all-rounder who can lend balance to the side. The selectors could have done well to address that issue.
The supply pool this season is already looking thin with C. Ganapathy, who had a wonderful season in 2009-09 being in wretched form and R. Satish having opted to turn out for Assam.
R. Ashwin's availability is still uncertain as he is expected to be with the national side from time to time.
V. Yo Mahesh has never really translated his promise to performance at first-class level while S. Sureshkumar continues to be an enigma, always performing below par.
A closer look at the table will reveal how these players have not done enough in both departments. This has often been the problem area for the state, especially in crunch games.
R. Ashwin has carried the attack along with L. Balaji with aplomb over the last few seasons, but has not been able to perform with the bat as much as he is capable of but then he bats too far down.
It will be interesting to see who will don the dual role and it is time their role is well explained by the team management.
For example Ganapathy failed as a bowler in 2010-11 but had to be persisted due to his batting prowess. With a top-order as stong as Tamil Nadu's there was no point in playing a bowler for his run making ability.
The strike rate of Mahesh and Ganapathy has always been a matter of concern and two wickets per match from second seamer has not helped the cause.
The barrel is not completely dry either. The inclusion of B. Aparajith is a welcome sign.
The 17-year-old all-rounder has done well in the senior divison league. A tally in excess of 500 and 19 wickets in the first half of the season has ushered new hope. Aparajith along with Ashwin can fill the slot at number seven and eight adequately.
A team full of talent has failed in the knockout stage for three years in succession. The reasons are not difficult to see.
Batsmen have come a cropper when it matters while the bowlers have not risen to the occasion when it matters.
This has been the bane of the side for long. Quality all-rounders not only add depth but also provide the back-up when the specialists fail.
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