Spring in spikers’ steps

Thrissur: In stark contrast to the previous national senior volleyball championships, Kerala players oozed confidence as they left on Wednesday for the interstate event to be held at Moradabad in Uttar Pradesh from December 21 onwards.

The reason for the confidence is that everything went perfect for the team right from the state camp to the selection of players.
For most of the years, Kerala team had showed up at the senior championship with a flawed team, where players were selected on the basis of nepotism rather than their skills and without a proper camp.

Will the current bunch secure a historic hat-trick title win? “This year we have the best combination for the national championship. We have ample substitutes, experienced players, future stars and had a very fruitful camp.
The team has jelled well and if they show the same spirit at Moradabad, we will secure the title,“ said S. Manoj, Kerala coach.

However, history has another story to provide.

Whenever the state team had gone with all their stardom, they faltered.

Kerala had not won the title even when the legendary Jimmy George played along with other Indian volleyball’s golden age heroes, Cyril C.

Valloor and Udayakumar.

Moreover, the much talked about team of 2010 was handed an unfortunate five-set defeat against Tamil Nadu.

While no one expected an injury-clad team of 2011 to win the title, Kerala did it in style. Even when the team coach openly said that the team would reach only as far as the quarterfinals seeing a miserable team line-up with no proper substitutes, the boys defended the 2011 title with valour.

“I do not believe in luck.

Everything is part of the game. You either win or lose. It is all about how we apply ourselves during the match. Each match should be seen with its importance,” opined Manoj.

The coach has solid reasons to believe so. K.G Ragesh, the captain of the team, has showcased a remarkable comeback to the team after he failed to find place in last year’s squad. M.T. Azeez, former Indian player who is playing for a Dubai-based club now, has decided to add prowess in blocking, which was a major weakness of the team in the previous season. K.S.

Ratheesh and K. Rohit, two Indian team members, are in their best form.

Tom Joseph and Vibin George are still the mainstays of the team with commendable form.

“The youngsters have also done well during training. Counter Abil Krishnan and second setter Tinu Anthoney are reliable players who could be pressed into service as substitutes at any stage of the game. So we have a good squad and now we are eagerly looking for the results. My only problem is the chilly weather,” he added.

The squad: K.G. Ragesh (captain), Ratheesh, Vibin George, Manu V, M.T Azeez, Tinu Anthoney, Rohit, Tom Joseph, Kiran Philip, Ajesh, Adarsh Hari, Abil Krishnan, and Kiran Philip