Of the many areas the state squad needs to gear up, lack of quality and quantity in spin is profound. Off-spinner R. Ashwin missing the Ranji Trophy semi-final showed up the inadequacy in the department. The reasons are many for the numbers dwindling but everything is not lost according to former left-arm spinner Sunil Subramaniam.
The TNCA Academy has had its part to play in identifying a few talented players but the difficulty is in providing continuity in coaching. “If a young spinner is made to listen to many, it will not be easy for him to segregate what is right and what is not. There has to be a seamless transition from one age category to another. To have the same coach through the developing stages will not be a bad idea,” said Sunil.
Tailor made tracks in the senior division league were also seen as a reason for spinners gaining a false sense of security. The situation though is better now. “If you have a close look at what has happened over the last six-seven seasons, the wickets have been truer and it has helped in development of skill sets,” added Sunil.
B. Aparajith and B. Indrajith have been impressive among the youngsters. Sunil with his dedicated methods has been giving his best to ensure the supply chain doesn't cease. “One requires time and investment to develop as a spinner. The ability to take punishment is another crucial element in a slow bowler. To succeed at the highest level cricket intelligence is important as well and not much of this can be taught”, explained Sunil.
Aushik Srinivas, had a dream start to his first class career. Even as a schoolboy cricketer, he stood up to the demands of first-class cricket well but seems to have lost the plot lately. “He requires guidance. It is important to try and understand what he is going through. In my guess it is a matter of him losing confidence. It can happen to any player, he is young and I am sure he can fight his way back,” said Sunil. Aushik did not have a big part to play in the Ranji games. Looks like he has to start from scratch pushing the spin component further down.
Sunil cannot come to terms with Tamil Nadu’s loss in the Ranji semi-final but the selection of R. Ashwin for the World Cup has helped erase some of the pain. “He deserves it richly. Ashwin has the mental strength to succeed at the highest level,” concluded Sunil. The pride in Sunil’s voice is unmistakable. No one has had a bigger role to play in shaping Ashwin.