The Tamil Nadu Premier League will have a whiff of greatness this time around. Spin bowling legend Muttiah Muralitharan will be the mentor of VB Tiruvallur Veerans in the second edition of the TNPL beginning late July.
And former India paceman B. Arun will be the coach of the side. The team’s owner V.B. Chandrasekar revealed to Sportstar here on Wednesday, “Muralitharan has confirmed to us that he will be the team’s mentor. It is a large hearted gesture on the part of such a big international cricketer to be associated with a State league.”
Former India cricketer and selector, Chandrasekar was also the head of cricketing affairs at the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) where he came in close contact with Muralitharan. Chandrasekar said, “When I asked Murali whether he would like to be VB Veerans’ mentor, his reply was ‘Of course, the tournament did so well in its first year. I would love to be involved in it.’ I was overwhelmed by his response.”
In fact, Chandrasekar has been coaching Muralitharan’s son Naren at the VB Academy in Guru Nanak College. “He is just 11 years old, comes to the academy twice a year. Naren is a good batsman who puts a price on his wicket. He is also a promising off-spinner who really turns the ball.”
Chandrasekar spoke about his bonding with Murali during his CSK days. “He was such a good team-man. The VB Veerans is a young team and the boys will learn so much from being with him. Murali can pass on a wealth of knowledge.”
And Arun is an accomplished person who has been the bowling coach of the Indian team. He has served at the NCA for a long period, then donned the role of the coach of the Tamil Nadu and the Bengal teams. Arun is now guiding Hyderabad.
Chandrasekar said, “I have played a lot of cricket with Arun and know he has a very good cricketing mind. He comprehends the modern game and has the knack of getting the best out of the players.”
Last season VB Veerans did not have a regular coach and Chandrasekar often guided the boys himself. He has decided to pass on the responsibility to Arun this season.
Chandrasekar said, “In the first edition, we missed qualification for the semifinals by a whisker. This time we should go all the way. The side has the belief.”
The team will soon start its training and simulation sessions at the VB Nest in Kelambakkam. With Muralitharan as mentor, the VB Veerans will not be short of inspiration.
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