Chandrasekar — tale of despair to dream come true
The left-arm spinner is the leading wicket-taker this TNCA I div. season
This heart-warming tale starts in Arani, a rustic town 47 kilometres off Chennai. From its dusty lanes to the leading playing fields of the city, it has been quite a journey for D.T. Chandrasekar.
And it’s a lot more than cricket. It’s about belief prevailing over despair.
The 23-year-old Chandrasekar is small in build, big on confidence. His eyes reflect a quiet determination as he chases dreams.
Even as he talks about his days growing up, in a tiny hut with parents and an elder brother, one gets a fair idea of the struggles Chandrasekar has had to contend with.
The family found it hard to make ends meet. There were compelling basic needs; cricket was way down in the list of priorities for Chandrasekar.
But then, in the game he found an outlet. He could put his worries behind, express himself. He found joy and an avenue for a better life.
Now, his family has a ‘pucca’ house, his brother is pursuing higher studies. Chandrasekar proudly says, “I am taking care of my family now.”
He is also picking wickets by the dozens. This promising left-arm spinner, representing Jolly Rovers, is the leading wicket-taker in the TNCA first division league so far.
With only knock-out matches remaining, Chandrasekar has 44 wickets at 19.14. An improving bowler, he has impressed many with his control over lengthy spells.
Along the way, there were those who lent him a helping hand. Chandrasekar took the opportunities.
He remembered during his conversation with The Hindu, “S. Sardar guided me first. He took me to the Himalaya Cricket Academy in Arani. Now, I was able to practise in regular nets with a cricket ball.”
Sathish Kumar’s help
Then, during the under-16 districts camp, Chandrasekar was spotted by former all-rounder Sadagopan Sathish Kumar.
For two years, the youngster stayed in Sathish Kumar’s residence and honed his skills in Swastik Cricket Promoters Academy in Surapet. The time was well spent.
Sathish Kumar also convinced Chandrasekar to switch from pace to spin since the youngster was lacking in height. The emerging bowler adapted.
Then, the turning point for the spinner arrived. During selection trials for Chemplast teams in 2013, he was picked by former India stumper Bharat Reddy.
“Bharat Sir has been of a great help. Now I can play my cricket, live in a free guest house with other cricketers and get a regular salary. Things have improved in my life,” said Chandrasekar.
Last season, Chandrasekar turned out for Alwarpet and was an immediate success with 36 wickets. This season, he’s been an influential member of Rovers’ attack.
Someone who bowls quicker through the air from a rather round-armish action, Chandrasekar has been working on his technique with coach G. Jayakumar. He has been striving to get his leading foot straighter and arm higher and use flight judiciously.
Consistent
“Consistency is my strength. I am learning to vary the pace, use the crease,” Chandrasekar said. Someone with a natural arm ball, he is focussing on the delivery that spins away from the right-hander.
In this context, he cherished getting S. Badrinath caught at slip in the game against UFCC (T. Nagar). In the crunch match against Vijay CC, Chandrasekar returned a six-wicket innings haul.
There was recognition too when he turned out for the State in the South Zone one-dayers.
His, indeed, is a story of the triumph of the spirit.
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