He may have his detractors as far as his technique is concerned. But Sadagopan Ramesh, who has proved that run making is all important, has got a fervent admirer in a former Indian captain whose technique also was faulted during his playing days. In his columns, written during the India-New Zealand series, K. Srikkanth always defended the left handed opening batsman and expressed confidence that he would do well even on Australian pitches. He reiterated this while presiding over the function got up by the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association on Friday to felicitate Ramesh and T. Kumaran on their selection for the Indian team to tour Australia.

Srikkanth said he would not be surprised if Ramesh emerged as the highest run getter on the tour. ``The ball comes on to the bat and Ramesh, a natural strokeplayer, should find the conditions to his liking,'' said Srikkanth, who himself was a success on the 1985-86 tour `Down Under' when he shared the man of the series award with Kapil Dev. He however failed on his next outing there with the Indian team six years later. ``He has the gift of timing and has improved with every match and has proved the critics wrong by the number of runs he has made,'' continued Srikkanth in his praise of Ramesh.

Srikkanth also predicted a bright future for Kumaran. ``He bowled exceedingly well in the two matches he played against New Zealand, he should enjoy bowling in helpful conditions in Australia and he has the right attitude,'' he said.

Others who spoke on the occasion were former Test players VV Kumar and WV Raman, current national selector TA Sekhar and Tamil Nadu Ranji team coach Bharath Kumar. Mementoes were presented to Ramesh and Kumaran on behalf of the TNCA. In a fine gesture, the State team members pooled in their resources and presented the two players with a pendant with a gold coin each. The presentation was made on behalf of the team by Bharath Kumar.

Replying to the felicitations, Ramesh thanked ``Cheeka sir'' for his help and support. ``He has encouraged me right through. I am aware of the expectations and we will do our best'', he said. Kumaran on his part thanked the TNCA and the MRF Pace Foundation, which recently had sent him for a stint at the Australian Cricket Academy.

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