Lakshmipathy Balaji to lead Vijay CC

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Given their overall strength and balance, it was only a matter of time before Vijay CC (India Cements) went on to regain the Palyampatti Shield.

Young Stars did the champions a huge favour by losing their final league game outright to allow Vijay through the back door. Once in the knockouts the R. Ashwin led side was unstoppable.

The ensuing season will be a challenge for the India Cements stable as they have three teams to field.

To pick the right combination will be the big task. “We have tried to retain the crux of the team. Barring Dinesh Karthik and K. Vijay Shankar (transferred to Grand Slam CC) all the senior players will continue with Vijay, L. Balaji will be leading the side while DJ Gokulakrishnan and Sunil Oasis will manage the side,” said RI Palani of India Cements.

Vijay CC was lucky with the toss in the semi-final and final but that cannot anything away from the manner in which they dominated to beat strong units like Jolly Rovers (Chemplast) and Globe Trotters (MRF).

Ashwin was naturally a happy captain. “We have not had all our best players available at the same time.

It is an issue that we have got used to as we try and make the best use of whatever resources is available at that particular time.

The boys responded well and made it count when it mattered,” noted Ashwin who will be missing the initial rounds.

The likes of Aswin Crist and B. Aparajith have made a significant difference to the side. The teenagers rose to the occasion with special efforts in the final and the duo said they were inspired by the presence of legend Rahul Dravid’s presence in the dressing room.

Left-arm spinner Rahil Shah and Kiran Kashyap are important cogs in the Vijay wheel and the team presents an overall look that was missing in the previous seasons.

The top-order is solid as ever with Abhinav Mukund and S. Badrinath providing the much required experience.

The defending champions will not be playing in their home ground - Gurunanak College, until July 15. But the star-studded line up has the wherewithal to succeed even in unfamiliar environs.

An upset or two cannot be ruled out in the league but it would require a special show to take the crown away from the defending champs.