रमेश टेस्ट वर्किंग वेरी हॉट फॉर द लास्ट टू डेज
Answers
Answer:
years to the day, amidst soaring tensions inside the Chepauk cauldron in a high-voltage clash against a world-class Pakistan bowling attack, 23-year-old Ramesh had announced his arrival in style and provided India hope. Two years later, he had disappeared. This is his story.
Jigar Mehta
January 29, 2018 14:52:07 IST
19 years after debut, Sadagoppan Ramesh takes a trip down memory lane
"I didn't play 200 Test matches," Sadagoppan Ramesh quips in typical Sadagoppan Ramesh style as he pauses and then bursts into laughter when I ask him whether he has any regrets looking back at his cricketing career.
Nineteen years to the day, amidst soaring tensions inside the Chepauk cauldron in a high-voltage clash against a world-class Pakistan bowling attack, 23-year-old Ramesh had announced his arrival in style and provided India hope.
Ramesh's was a classic case of 'a career that promised so much.' He was the highest run-getter in his debut Test series, facing the likes of Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis and Saqlain Mushtaq at their peak and an average of more than 50 in first six Tests. Two years later, he had disappeared.
For youngsters who grew up watching cricket in late 1990s and early 2000s, recollecting that lazy elegance, peerless timing and fearless approach, still makes you go, 'If only....' If only Ramesh had been more consistent. If only Ramesh had converted his starts into big ones on a regular basis. And most importantly, if only the selectors had shown more trust and patience.
Ramesh knows he can't control his past. However with his multiple talents, he juggles smoothly between business and regional commentary. He is a happy man, proud of what he achieved in his cricketing career. And he still goes through a whole range of emotions while reminiscing over his past as we sit down for a chat in his plush apartment in MRC Nagar, Chennai.
Unsurprisingly, it's his humour that stands out.
Excerpts from the interview:
Your debut series in a way was special considering Pakistan were playing India after 11 years. How much pressure did it put on someone like you who was new to international cricket?
Ramesh: That was unbearable pressure, because at that time the Kargil tension was also going on. India normally never wanted to lose to Pakistan, but at that time, they didn’t want to compromise on anything. And they were the best bowling side ever — Wasim, Waqar, Saqlain, Shoaib, Mushtaq Ahmed. We are talking about five bowlers who can single-handedly win games for them. At Chepauk, we had the advantage because we were used to the atmosphere, but it could have been also a disadvantage, because the expectations were too many. I still remember when I started walking from the hotel to the bus for the match, every securitywalla used to tell me, 'Tambi you have to score runs today, don't leave Pakistan.' Against any other team, if they want you to perform well, they would say 'I want you to do well.' But when it came to Pakistan, it's not just a request, it's more of a demand. That's the kind of pressure I had.
Against any other team, if they want you to perform well, they would say 'I want you to do well.' But when it came to Pakistan, it's not .