Working on small things tactically helped, says Chaturved

N.S. Chaturved knew the ability was always there. He felt he needed to trust it.

“I knew I had this kind of game. I just wanted to go and react to the ball. That was the only thought I had,” said the 35-year-old over phone on Sunday, a day after his record 40-ball century (121 off 47 balls) powered Madurai Panthers to a stunning chase of 240 against Vida Kovai Kings.

That approach was a recurring theme during the pre-season camp, where he worked with head coach K.B. Arun Karthick.

“We worked on small things tactically – like, how I can use my footwork. What kind of footwork to use for which bowler and how to challenge them. That came in handy – which moments to choose and all,” he added.

Arun Karthick’s influence, though, extends beyond batting. “He is bringing a lot of calmness to the team – how we can keep things simple even in the most desperate moments. And that calmness is helping,” said Chaturved.

It was also the conversion that had eluded him, having gone without a fifty in the previous two seasons.

“I got starts last season, but I just couldn’t carry on. Two seasons had gone by with small contributions. So, when I came into this TNPL, I just wanted to contribute a lot more. It (the record) gives me more confidence in my own ability,” he said.

The innings also brought appreciation from some of Tamil Nadu cricket’s leading names.

“R. Ashwin, C.V. Varun, and Washi (Washington Sundar) have sent messages. To get all that praise from eminent Tamil Nadu cricketers definitely feels special,” he said.