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Clean bowled!
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N.C. Aiyappa is among the fittest of cricketers to prowl India's cricketing maidans. He topped the Scorpio-Timex Spot-the-Speedster contest last year, clocking 135 mph
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N.C. Aiyappa: ready for the next innings.
A TALL lad with bronzed muscles was doing the rounds at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. And as the fitness tests progressed under the watchful eyes of trainer Gregory Allen King here a few weeks back, it was obvious that the lad had enough reserves of strength to burn the turf.
N.C. Aiyappa is among the fittest cricketers who prowl India's cricketing maidans and it showed as he topped the Scorpio-Timex "Spot-the-speedster" contest last year clocking 135 mph.
Right now, Aiyappa is tackling a signpost that youth his age are wary off — it is a milestone that reads "crossroads" scribbled across in big, bold letters. And for once Aiyappa can only smile. Well, who woudn't? Aiyappa has the option of going to Australia and train at the Cricket Academy there as part of the reward programme for emerging as the fastest bowler in the Scorpio-Timex contest. Meanwhile he is also in contention for an India `A' team berth. And to stoke his competitive fires, he is among the eight fast bowlers who are currently assisting the Indian team probables practise at Chennai.
"I have got the notification to go to Australia but I am waiting for the `A' team announcement and in case I do get selected to the team, I will be forced to skip the tour to Australia. I am hoping for the best," Aiyappa said over the phone.
The Coorgi lad has indeed come a long way ever since his stint with the MRF Pace Academy in Chennai and his Ranji debut two seasons back. However, a State team rich in fast bowling resources, with the experienced duo of Venkatesh Prasad and Dodda Ganesh leading the fray, has often left Aiyappa languishing on the reserve benches. And it is a measure of Aiyappa's talent that rival team players do make enquiries about his absence from the playing eleven. "Aiyappa has loads of talent and attitude and it is surprising that he is often forced to be a substitute," quipped a Tamil Nadu player. Aiyappa, however, is keen to battle ahead. "My time will come" is his philosophy. "I am working on my fitness and in whatever opportunity I got, I have done well for my team," said Aiyappa. Meanwhile he is all eyes and ears as the selectors meet at Chennai to finalise the India senior and India `A' teams. And in case he fails to make it to the India `A' team's flight to Harare, he will hop across to Australia and fine-tune his fast bowling skills. It is a season of opportunities for Aiyappa and he is just itching to storm ahead and yell "howzzat". Batsmen can mutter their prayers. Amen.
K.C. VIJAYA KUMAR
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