More than his exploits for Karnataka, J. Suchith, the left-arm orthodox spinner, is better known to a layman for his crucial role in Mumbai Indians' triumphant IPL campaign in 2015.
Not because he has been a failure in Ranji Trophy but because he has mostly been spending time on the sidelines with two quality spinners – K. Gowtham and Shreyas Gopal – joining the party with an impressive pace attack in Ranji Trophy.
As a result, despite hardly missing out on being a part of Karnataka's squad for the last three seasons, the last game Suchith had featured in was exactly two years ago, against Rajasthan in Vizianagaram.
The moment Gowtham was unavailable for Karnataka's Ranji Trophy opener against Vidarbha, Suchith rose to the occasion with an impressive three-wicket haul.
READ: Mithun, Suchith lead Karnataka's charge against Vidarbha
Suchith, who has switched his run-up from diagonal to straight, admitted that he found it difficult to cope with not getting a game for two years despite improving his bowling.
“It is been very really hard for me. It is very difficult to explain what I have gone through these couple of years. I used to see my bowling graph going up, but did not get a game. It was hard,” Suchith said after his three for 25 helped Karnataka restrict Vidarbha to 245 for eight on the opening day.
“It has been really difficult for me. I have been part of the team, but did not get to play. That is how it is if you two have good spinners, Gowtham and Shreyas. All these years, I worked on my bowling and added lot of things so that I would be ready if one of them would go and play for India A and things. I am happy that it worked for me today.”
Suchith explained how besides changing his run-up, he developed different trajectory, learnt to vary speed and had more control over his body.
Still, not getting a game meant it was natural for any player to be frustrated. Suchith admits the support structure in the Karnataka squad helped him retain his composure.
“We have a good structure back home in Karnataka, so you do not lose out on games. I have played each and every game and it is important to practice your skill and work on getting better. Whenever I get a chance, it will help me as I will be ready skill wise and mentally to perform,” he said.
“Whenever I spoke to seniors, they used to talk positive things to me; like I am also good enough to play in the XI, but the situation was such that I did not get a game. To hear that I am equally good, it was really heartening. All these things keep me going and also in the right frame.”
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