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Chemplast sponsors book on TN cricket
A book on the history of Tamil Nadu cricket titled, “Mosquitos and Other Jolly Rovers: The story of Tamil Nadu Cricket” authored by V Ramnarayan, a former cricketer and now Vice President, Corporate Communications, Chemplast Sanmar, was released on October 19, 2002, at Taj Coromandel, Chennai. Sponsored by Chemplast Sanmar, a major patron of cricket in the state for over three decades, covers both first class and local cricket, from the 1930s, when the Madras Cricket Association was born, to the start of the new millennium. The book, which has a foreword by the Sanmar Group Chairman N Sankar, covers the TNCA First Division League of Chennai, the Buchi Babu Memorial Tournament, The Hindu Trophy, Ranji Trophy matches involving Tamil Nadu and Test cricket in Chennai, besides featuring profiles and thumbnail sketches of cricket personalities.
Speaking at the function, Ramnarayan talked about the unique character of Tamil Nadu cricket and the good old days when people bought tickets to watch Ranji Trophy matches.

 

The author speaks of the experience of writing ‘Mosquitos’.
At the launch of the book on Tamil Nadu cricket. L to R:
V Ramnarayan, C D Gopinath, S Muthiah, N Srinivasan,
N Sankar, Rahul Dravid, Brijesh Patel and K Srikkanth.
C D Gopinath, former India player and Chairman of selectors, agreeing with some of the sentiments expressed in the book, appealed to all agencies involved in Tamil Nadu cricket, to come together in a spirit of cooperation to work for the improvement of the game in the state.

 

Former Test batsman T E Srinivasan receiving his copy of the book from former Test player, Test selector and state captain C D Gopinath.
Eminent historian S Muthiah complimented Ramnarayan and Chemplast Sanmar for producing such an excellent book on Tamil Nadu cricket, the first of its kind in India.
Muthiah praised the painstaking effort that must have gone into the writing of the book. He recalled some of the great cricketers he watched in his youth.


S Muthiah handing over the book to India opener
S Sriram.
Rahul Dravid, vice captain of the Indian cricket team, who released the first copy of the book, appreciated the fact that the book highlighted the “unsung heroes” of Tamil Nadu cricket.
Rahul Dravid recalled his days in the Chennai league which he described as very competitive.

 

A G Satvinder Singh receiving a book on his elder brother A G Milkha Singh’s behalf.
V V Kumar, the champion leg spinner, is the other recipient of a book from Rahul Dravid.
K Srikkanth, former Test opener, spoke in his inimitably colourful style on the strengths and weaknesses of Tamil Nadu cricket.
K Srikkanth seen handing over copies of the book to Test player V B Chandrasekhar (right) and former state captain S Vasudevan.
In his welcome address, N Sankar recalled the days when league cricket drew substantial crowds of spectators. He also spoke of his family’s association with the game for over three decades.



N Sankar and Rahul Dravid enjoying a light-hearted moment at the book launch.
N Srinivasan, President, Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA), appreciated N Sankar’s vision in sponsoring such a worthwhile project. “I wish I had thought of it myself”, he said.
B Arun (top) and Robin Singh (left) receiving their copies from N Srinivasan.
Brijesh Patel wondered why Tamil Nadu, with so much talent and excellent facilities, could not win the Ranji Trophy or produce more Test cricketers. He urged Ramnarayan to write a book on the art of spin bowling.



Former Jolly Rovers skipper and Test wicket keeper Bharat Reddy is all smiles as Brijesh Patel hands over a book to him.
The impressive decor at the book launch at the Taj Coromandel.