Prathiban takes tougher route

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Over the years the TNCA senior division league has seen many specialist bowlers get disheartened and turn their attention towards batting.

Docile tracks and appalling weather conditions are only some of the reasons for the shift. For a fair percentage the easier option has been to pile runs on flat decks instead of accepting punishment and showing the heart for a battle.

For India Pistons off-spinner, AC Prathiban the role has interestingly been reversed. From a top-order batsman for a top-notch side to a willing spinner, Prathiban has taken the road less travelled.

The 23-year-old who recently went past the 100-wicket mark in the league has been one of the top wicket takers in the last three seasons.

“I actually started bowling regularly after I moved from Grand Slam CC to Pistons. Used to fill in whenever our main spinner M. Prabhu required some rest.

My confidence grew thanks to the team management who gave me a lot of opportunities. I started getting better by bowling more,” explained Prathiban.

Prathiban made his league batsman as a middle order batsman for the start studded Vijay CC while still in school.

Then after a solitary season he moved to Grand Slam, another club managed by India Cements, for three seasons before making the all-important shift to Pistons.

For long spinners have been given a false sense of security by being provided rank turners. In Prathiban’s case the lack of bounce and bite at the IP-CPT has only made his resolve stronger. “It’s a myth that teams with a home ground prepare bad tracks all the time.

I can only talk for myself here and I can tell you there is no undue advantage for a spinner here. I enjoy bowling in all surfaces and try and make the most of what the track provides,” added Prathiban.

Spinners only get better with age and experience. Prathiban knows he has to cover some ground in order to make an impact at the next level.

He is steady and has the knack of getting wickets but a few variations would help. “At the moment I am confident of my consistency in line and length.

I rely only on my off-break and depend more on altering length and making subtle variations in flight. I am working on the away going delivery and hopefully master it soon,” concluded Prathiban.