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An institution that shaped many a cricketing career

S. Dinakar

Chennai: The winter sunlight bouncing off the grass, the lush green outfield appears even more inviting. Circling the arena and forming an enthralling back-drop, the thick cluster of trees waltz against the breeze.

Beyond the boundary, the red-coloured pavilion shimmers in all its glory.

Besides the quaint structure, one can hear the melodious sound of wood meeting leather. Amid a gaggle of voices and the music of cricket, the nets is in progress.

The cricketers do not have to look far for inspiration — inscribed at the entrance of the pavilion is the name ‘Neil Harvey.’

The legendary former Australian batsman can cut across barriers, travel through eras.

Nestled in a great place of learning, the IIT-Chemplast ground is both serene and charming.

“It reminds me of the grounds in the English county, it has the same feel about it,” says the skipper of the Tamil Nadu Ranji Trophy team, Dinesh Karthik.

Love for the game

Tamil Nadu cricket’s strength lies in the quality of the first division league in Chennai.

The corporate involvement is huge, and often, out of sheer love for the game. And the competition has thrown up several State and India cricketers.

The reward for the corporate houses is in the success of the cricketers.

It is a proud day – December 30, 2008 – for Jolly Rovers, among the leading teams in the city. The coaching staff and the groundsmen at IIT-Chemplast are ready to welcome S. Badrinath, D. Karthik, L. Balaji and M. Vijay.

The four cricketers from Rovers — in the city during the short break between the Ranji Trophy quaterfinals and semifinals — soon arrive at their home ground.

Karthik, re-discovering his form, had led Tamil Nadu into the last four stage of the Ranji Trophy.

Balaji sent down a sensational spell on the final day against Bengal. Vijay and Badrinath produced match-winning batting efforts in the second innings.

The two batsmen were also part of the Indian Test squad for the series against England. And Vijay, opening the innings, had impressed with his technique and temperament in the crucial fourth Test against Australia at Nagpur.

Rovers’s contribution

These cricketers remembered the contribution of Rovers in the development of their careers. Says Balaji, “It was always my dream to play for the club at this ground. I was not picked during the Chemplast selection trials in 1998 and 99. In 2000, Bharath Reddy Sir (former India stumper) selected me. It was the start of my journey.”

Badrinath talks about the six pitches on the ground.

“All of them play differently and it helps,” he says. He then shifts his attention to the practice pitches.

“We have pitches with and without grass, a concrete wicket. Sessions at the nets here enable us handle pace and bounce better.”

Vijay dwells on the bowling machine that is available to the cricketers at all times.

“It is extremely handy. There are no odd hours for practice. Coach G. Jayakumar has been a great help to all of us. He is selfless.”

The quality of the outfield reflects N. Sankar’s (Chairman, The Sanmar Group) passion for the game says Balaji. State-of-the-art sprinkling system keeps the ground even and glistening.

Even as they make headway in their career these cricketers have not forgotten their club, an institution that has been nurtured with tremendous devotion and foresight by Mr. Sankar.

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