TN talents in World Cup

Chennai, Mar 2 (UNI) When wicket-keeper batsman Dinesh Kaarthik takes guard in his first match in the 2007 edition of cricket's mega event this month rpt this month, the lean and gaunt stroke maker would be the sixth player from Tamil Nadu to play in the World Cup.

More than this, Dinesh can claim the credit of being the first wicket keeper to do so from this cricket loving state, which had not been lucky enough to contribute many players to the national side.

Still, Tamil Nadu cricket, arguably has been contributing some talented stars to the Indian team in the World Cup competition ever since the inaugural Prudential World Cup in England in 1975 rpt 1975.

In that edition, as well as the next in 1979, which was also sponsored by the English insurance company, one of the world's best off spinners hailing from Chennai city, S Venkataraghavan, had the honour of leading the Indian team.

Sadly, though, being new to One Day cricket, India could make little headway in the first two editions as the nature of wickets for the limited overs version meant to favour the batsmen, Venkat could not contribute, unlike in Test cricket. In thata version of the World Cup, he could claim no more than three or four wickets in all.

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