Kerala boy set to realise World Cup dream

KOCHI: All-rounder Krishna Chandran Karate toiled hard for Kerala in age-group cricket for years. But despite some decent performances with the bat and ball, Krishna Chandran was never considered for Kerala's senior side.
Disappointed and disgruntled, Krishna chandran packed his bags for UAE in 2010 in search of greener pastures. Though he found a job soon, he didn't give up his passion for the game he loved.He started playing club level cricket in Dubai and his performances with the bat and ball soon became a talking point in the cricketing circles in the desert. And he was rewarded with a call-up to the UAE national team in May last year. He hasn't looked back since. A handy middle-order batsman and a gentle medium-pacer, Krishna Chandran has become a vital cog in UAE national team's cricketing set up in less than a year.
On Thursday, Krishna Chandran would step on to the field for the biggest match of his career as UAE take on Zimbabwe in their World Cup opener. "It's a dream come true for me. I am very excited about our WC opener. As an all-rounder, I am looking for a significant contribution for my team with both bat and ball," Krishna Chandran told TOI from Nelson on Wednesday .
His confidence exudes from his performances in the warm-up games leading up to the World Cup. He snared three wickets in the practice game against Australia and his scalps included George Bailey, Glenn Maxwell and Mitchell Marsh. He followed it up with an impressive 49 and two wickets against Afghanistan. "I was able to deliver with the ball against Australia and scored some valuable runs against Afghanistan. I hope to continue my good run till the end," said the 31-year old. A native of Kollengode in Palakkad district, Krishna Chandran would become only the third Keralite to be part of a World Cup squad after Sunil Valson and S Sreesanth. And if he makes his debut on Wednesday, he would become only the second player from Kerala after Sreesanth to have played in a World Cup game.
Krishna Chandran reckons that his team has the potential to create a few upsets. "Our training has been great for the last 7 months. We have no special plans for Zimbabwe but I am sure we can give them a run for their money."