Key is to keep fast bowlers fit through the year: Kumaran

For more than a decade, former India pacer T. Kumaran has been in the United States, building an extensive coaching resume that includes stints with the USA senior and under-19 teams, as well as training kids.

Now, the 49-year-old is back to his roots in Tamil Nadu and was appointed as the senior team’s bowling coach last month.

“I am excited to be back in TN. I have worked closely with Robin Singh (currently a TNCA Consultant) in USA cricket, and when he broached this idea, I was happy at the chance to be a part of a professional set-up,” said Kumaran about his new role. “I have always dreamed of winning the Ranji Trophy, but during my playing days, we only reached the semifinals. Now, as a coach, I hope to help TN achieve that.”

Over the last fortnight, Kumaran has been closely watching the players in the ongoing TNPL in preparation for the upcoming season and is pleased by the fast bowling stock he has seen so far.

“One thing that has stood out so far is that the quicks are fitter and taller than what we used to have during my time. I have been observing how they are bowling in different situations and conditions. At the same time, I also want to see how they fare in the TNCA first division because that will be crucial and whether they can bowl long spells.”

Explaining what his focus areas will be, he said: “The main thing is to keep the fast bowlers fit through the year with emphasis on good recovery and workload management. Running fitness is a key to that. We also need to have a good bench strength, which is important to win the Ranji Trophy.”

Kumaran, who played eight ODIs for India (1999-2000), said: “I did not have a long international career. Now, I want to share my knowledge with these boys and develop them so that they can have that. We have had an R. Ashwin, who took more than 500 Test wickets, and I want to develop more cricketers like him.”