With Tamil Nadu’s 2017-18 season ending on a sombre note following its defeat to Andhra on Sunday in the Vijay Hazare Trophy match that saw the defending champion crash out of the event, coach Hrishikesh Kanitkar has expressed that some key issues need to be addressed for Tamil Nadu to be consistent.
Summing up the reasons for the poor show, Kanitkar started off saying, “We have been lacking in everything, we played below our capabilities. If we do that then this result is normal, it'll always keep happening.”
Last year TN was without the services of some of its international stars and went on to win two titles. But this year R. Ashwin and M. Vijay were available, but TN failed to capitalise on it.
When asked if the on-off presence of star players affected team composition, Kanitkar said, “It doesn't get affected so much, but the players admire these two. Because of that if they change how they play knowingly or unknowingly then it can make a difference.
“They look up to Ashwin and Vijay and maybe they would want to impress these guys and they may not be their natural self. That could happen and it depends on individuals. If such a thing is affecting players then they have to talk about it and sort it out.”
The former Ranji Trophy-winning captain highlighted some more pressing issues and said players need to be more “receptive” and “less sensitive” to criticism.
Explaining what made teams like Mumbai successful, the former India left-hander said, “The attitude in Mumbai, Maharashtra is that nobody is beyond reproach from anybody.
“If I'm not playing to my potential and if my efforts are not good, there will always be somebody to tell me so. I think that needs to develop a little more here.”
When probed further he added, “They need to be more receptive to criticism and less sensitive. If you play in the Indian team you can expect Virat to say something to you.
“India players like Ashwin and Vijay have seen it all and they have reacted in a better way and that's why they are successful. That’s what these guys need to learn. Here people might protect you, but at higher levels they won't protect you and when you do something wrong you will be told.”
He went on to add that players need to be more appreciative of the facilities they receive and said, “Here the cricket is run brilliantly. But the boys need to know how lucky they are for what they are getting from the association.
“If they compare themselves with players from other States, they will realise how fortunate they are, they will be smarter in their preparations.”