Focus was on bowling a lot of dot balls: Hemchudeshan

The off-spinner played a key role in Tamil Nadu’s Cooch Behar Trophy (under-19) triumph last year, finishing as the leading wicket-taker with 47 scalps.

His performance prompted the selectors to fast-track him into the senior set-up this year and, on Friday, in just his second First Class appearance, he claimed his maiden five-wicket haul against Baroda.

The 17-year-old from Tiruchi possesses a clean, classical action and relies heavily on accuracy in line and length, which he showed consistently over the first two days here.

“We wanted to keep it tight and not get desperate. The focus was on bowling a lot of dot balls,” Hemchudeshan said about his approach.

“I got good support from Sai Kishore at the other end. He kept bowling maidens, which helped me pick up the two set batters today.”

Reflecting on the difference between junior and senior cricket, Hemchudeshan explained that the higher level demands more patience.

“In juniors, once one wicket falls, you often get three or four in a cluster. At the senior level, that doesn’t happen, and the batters also play a lot more shots. It really tests your patience, and that’s something I have learnt.”

On his five-for, he added, “I felt very happy and proud to have achieved this so early in my career. I’m grateful for the opportunity, but it’s important that I keep improving on this.”