Should Tamil Nadu Selectors Consider 'Role-Specific' Players After Loss to Andhra Pradesh?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Ashwin calls for role-specific selections.
- Tamil Nadu's batting struggles continue.
- Shaik Rasheed shines for Andhra with an unbeaten 87.
- Upcoming matches are crucial for Tamil Nadu's season.
- Strategic changes may be needed for better performance.
New Delhi, Nov 10 (NationPress) Former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has called on the Tamil Nadu selectors to opt for a ‘role-specific’ team composition following their four-wicket defeat to Andhra Pradesh in the Ranji Trophy Group A match on Monday.
"Tamil Nadu faced a setback against Andhra, with Shaikh Rasheed’s first innings performance proving pivotal. This season has been challenging for TN, and I hope the white ball leg offers some respite," Ashwin stated on X.
"We have a wealth of young talent, and I hope the selection process focuses on specific roles rather than sheer numbers."
The Tamil Nadu batting line-up struggled significantly, managing totals of only 182 and 195 in Visakhapatnam.
Shaik Rasheed's unbeaten 87 in the first innings was instrumental for Andhra, who rebounded to score 177 after struggling at 5-63.
For Tamil Nadu, Sandeep Warrier took four wickets, while Trilok Nag, Sonu Yadav, and Sai Kishore each secured two dismissals.
Despite some resistance from Balasubramaniam Sachin (51) and C Andre Siddarth (33) in the second innings, Tamil Nadu could only reach 195.
On the Andhra side, Saurabh Kumar excelled with figures of 4-46, while Prithvi Raj took two wickets.
Chasing a target of 201, opener Abhishek Reddy scored 70 and Karan Shinde made 51, leading Andhra Pradesh to victory in just 41.2 overs. This win elevates Andhra Pradesh to third place with nine points from three matches, and they will face Jharkhand next in Jamshedpur from November 16.
Tamil Nadu is set to meet Uttar Pradesh in Coimbatore, also starting November 16. Currently, Tamil Nadu is positioned sixth in Group A with four points from three matches and remains winless this season.
Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh holds fifth place with seven points from three matches.