VB Chandrasekhar hopes to use CSK experience in TNPL

VB Chandrasekhar swashbuckling approach would have perfectly suited today’s most famous for of cricket – T20. The dashing former India on many occasions gave sparkling starts to India in the ODIs. The limited overs format was his love. And his love for the limited overs cricket was evident when he bought the Tiruvallur franchise for the Tamil Nadu Premier League, which will be played in August-September.

“T20 is the future of cricket, it’s the No.1 choice for a fan now,” VB, who bought the franchise representing VB Cricket Academy for 3.48 crore, told TOI.

His first choice was Kancheepuram, where the former Tamil Nadu star grew up, but it was snapped up by Ruby Builders and Promoters for 3.69 crore.

“I was hoping to get Kancheepuram but it went to Ruby just before my turn came. So I was happy to go with Tiruvallur,” the former national selector said. Albert Muralidharan, rep resenting Thoothukudi Sports & Entertainment Limited, was the highest bidder, paying 5.21 crore for the Thoothukudi franchise.

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The other teams South Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, Dindigul and Karaikudi -were bought by Lyca Productions, Kothari International Limited, Take Solutions and Chettinad Apparels Private Limited.

The teams will be divided into two groups and 27 matches (including 2 semifinals and the final).  The games will be played across three grounds – MA Chidambaram Stadium, NPR College Grounds (Dindigul) and India Cements Ground–Tirunelveli.

TNCA president N Srinivasan said the tournament would help TN unearth more talented players. “District players will get a chance to play with top ones. It will be a step forward for state cricket,”he said. But among the buyers, it’s VB who comes in with some solid cricket experience. There’s not much time left for the tournament and he knows it won’t be possible to create a connect with the district that his team will represent, more so with no matches being played there. “For now, time is short. But in future, I can have coaching camps there and get the best players from the region to play for my team,” VB added.

VB Chandrasekhar, a veteran of 81 FC matches, was the brain behind Chennai Super Kings in 2008. He had a big role in picking up players like MS Dhoni, Suresh Raina, Mike Hussey , Matthew Hayden and Albie Morkel -who went on to make CSK the most consistent team in the first eight years of IPL.

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“I will definitely try to use that experience, more so if it helps me create as successful a brand as CSK,” VB said.

“It’s a long process and you have to be realistic. It’s about building up a brand and I think I have enough cricket experience to do it. We will have to get sponsors on board before we decide on the probable team composition,” VB said.

There will be no auction for players in the first season; they will be picked up from the draft. The highest bidder will get to choose first, and VB knows he won’t get the most sought-after player. “My turn to choose a player will come sixth, so it won’t be very easy that way. But it will be great if I can manage to get the Baba twins (Indrajith and Aparajith) in my team,” the owner said.

He also hopes that BCCI will allow outstation players to take part in the league. “A league like this needs maximum exposure to do well. Let’s see if the BCCI allows outstation players in the league,” VB said, hoping for the opening flourish that characterized his game.