We need to be more proactive in managing pacers: Tamil Nadu chief selector Vasudeva Das

CHENNAI: Eyebrows were raised when the Tamil Nadu men’s selection committee decided to leave out pacers Sandeep Warrier and Gurjapneet Singh for the Buchi Babu tournament, scheduled to begin on Monday. Selection panel chairman K Vasudeva Das, in an interaction with TOI, emphasised that the injury-prone fast bowlers have been “rested” as part of “player management”. During the chat, Vasudeva Das also spoke about the preparation for the upcoming domestic season, how to handle the young crop and more. Excerpts:

On the decision to rest Warrier and Gurjapneet for Buchi Babu: When it comes to our key players, especially the ones in the fast-bowling department, we need to be a little bit more proactive in managing them. Last season, we had a lot of injuries, which we had to factor in. At the end of the day, we cannot give an answer for the injuries but learn from them and take it forward this season.

On the emphasis laid on player management: We took the first step immediately after the end of last season. We had a summer camp, where players from different age groups were given a programme. The TNCA Academy is playing a pivotal role this season with many measures being taken to ensure that the players are monitored – both fitness and skill-wise. Once every two or three weeks, the physiotherapists and trainers are tracking the players who are under the programme.

On the importance of creating good bench strength to tackle national call-ups and injuries: Tamil Nadu have been blessed in that aspect; we have always had a talented bunch of players. We just need to handle them correctly and give them the right opportunities to showcase their skills. In the last couple of years, the youngsters who have come through the system have delivered for us. So, it is definitely a positive sign.

On how important the Buchi Babu tourney is to find the Ranji Trophy probables: It is a step in the right direction for us. It will help us strike a balance between our senior players and juniors. But we should be more pragmatic in our approach and be measured while striking a balance. We always have to make sure that the inexperience of the juniors is not taken as a weakness.

On what is being done to end TN’s long title wait in the Ranji Trophy: When I mean process, I refer to the process of being consistent. We were able to win the U-19 title (Cooch Behar Trophy) in the previous season only because we consistently qualified for the knockouts in the last few seasons. Qualifying for the knockouts became a habit. If we repeat the same kind of exercise at the senior level, I am sure that we will win the Ranji Trophy soon. We would love to win the title this season, but there is a method to do it.