Ranji Trophy 2023-24: Sense of aid for Tamil Nadu gamers after qualifying for knockouts

After 5 disappointing seasons, Tamil Nadu lastly reached the knockout stage of the premier home event within the nation after topping its group with 4 wins from seven outings.

Following its complete nine-wicket win in opposition to Punjab on Monday, there was jubilation but additionally a way of aid among the many gamers and help employees.

“It feels good, and the whole team’s vibe is great,” was how skipper Sai Kishore put it after progressing to the quarterfinals of the Ranji Trophy.

“A lot of things have to come together, but when you back the right people and are hardworking, it is great.”

A hanging characteristic of TN’s marketing campaign is that it has bowled out the opposition twice in all of the matches, one thing the workforce had beforehand struggled with.

“The fact everyone stepped up has been fantastic. Before the season, we decided Sandeep Warrier and I would handle the pressure situations, but M. Mohammed and Ajith Ram have stepped up nicely. Even Pradosh and Mohammed Ali have also contributed well with crucial wickets,” defined the 27-year-old.

While the 2 left-arm spinners Sai Kishore and Ajith Ram have led the best way with 38 and 36 wickets, respectively, pacer Sandeep Warrier (18 wickets) has been equally spectacular, offering essential breakthroughs even on spin-friendly surfaces at residence.

“Sandeep Warrier has been a phenomenal asset. He wants to take his career to the next level, has shown great work ethic and is a complete team man,” mentioned bowling coach L. Balaji concerning the tempo spearhead.

“He is probably one of the major components of our bowling unit and is willing to do the tough yards for the team. The courage, intelligence, skills and sustainability he has shown, running in all day, shows that he wants to go for excellence,” added the previous India pacer.

Head coach Sulakshan Kulkarni, who was roped in forward of this season to enhance the workforce’s Ranji Trophy fortunes, was relieved at crossing the primary hurdle.

“After the first two games, we had only one point, but to win four out of the last five matches outright gives a lot of satisfaction. I feel happy for the team. All our top-order batters have had big knocks, and Sandeep Warrier has shown a big heart,” mentioned Kulkarni.

“We also had some promising youngsters coming through this year. We want to perform well but also develop a team for the future,” he added.