Chennai power for Kerala players

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Utilising the potential of Chennai Cricket League, a grooming ground for cricketers in the country, several players from Kerala have geared up for the 2012-13 season.

Six of the Kerala Ranji players represent various first division clubs in the league. “The league gives players a great opportunity to improve and gain experience.

Most of the clubs have Kerala players and such a well-established and professional league does have a big influence in our career progress,” says Kerala all-rounder P. Prasanth, who has been playing in Chennai league for the past eight years.

“The exposure is great and the quality of players is next to none.

The training we get here has been a major help for us while playing for Kerala,” says the player, who works for Southern Railways.

Indian Overseas Bank player Abhishek Hegde, last season’s Kerala Ranji opener, agrees with Prasanth. “The facilities are better than in Kerala. There is a major difference between the league in Kerala and the one in Chennai,” says the right-handed batsman.

Medium Pacer Sunil Sam, a native of Kollam, is another player who has benefited from the league. He was the leading wicket taker in the last league for Globe Trotters Sports Club.

“Most of my grooming happened with club Trotters. The performance also helped me to secure a job in MRF. The last league was one of the best in my career. I am looking forward to replicate the performance this year too,” says Sunil.

Left-arm medium pacer Prasanth Parameswaran is another Kerala Ranji player who is playing in the league. He will be playing for Chemplast this season.

Right-hand batsman Robert Fernandez will be playing for Indian Overseas Bank while Rohan Prem, another Kerala Ranji player, will bat for Indian Cements Chennai.