Tamil Nadu’s representation in South Zone Duleep Trophy squad a timely reality check

Even as the Tamil Nadu cricketing community gathered to celebrate the start of the 10th edition of the Tamil Nadu Premier League T20 competition on Tuesday, a development from a few days ago should prompt some serious introspection by the powers that be.

On Sunday, the South Zone Duleep Trophy squad was announced, with only Tamil Nadu player – wicketkeeper-batter N. Jagadeesan – finding a place in the 15-member squad. And TN had no reason to complain as it was a reflection of the side’s dismal performances in domestic cricket for a while now, especially in the Ranji Trophy.

Consistent underperformance in the country’s premier domestic tournament would eventually dry up opportunities for its players to be picked for higher levels and catch the attention of selectors.

Since the 2016-17 campaign, TN has made the knockouts only three times (2016-17 semifinals; 2023-24 semifinals; 2024-25 quarterfinals).

Last season, TN finished sixth out of eight teams in its group and was ranked 21st overall among 32 teams in the Elite division. In seven matches, the team managed just one outright win and managed to take first-innings lead in two other games.

Even on an individual level, none of the batters or bowlers stood out. While Pradosh Ranjan Paul was the top-scorer with 564 runs, Sai Kishore topped the wickets charts with 20 scalps. For context, Goa’s Abhinav Tejrana, a member of the South Zone squad, managed 788 runs and was the fifth-highest run-getter in the season.

While there have been criticisms surrounding some of the selections in the past and the constant changing of coaches every year, it is also time for the players – especially the senior pros – to take the onus and deliver for being backed for so long.

As the two-time champion prepares for the upcoming season under a new coach – V. Yo Mahesh – and a new selection committee, there is a gargantuan task ahead to take corrective measures and use this as a wake-up call.