Pillay pads up for AI

To spot Dhanraj Pillay wielding his hockey stick is an everyday occurrence. But on Saturday he was in a different mood and playing a game which is different altogether from his usual sport.

The Indian Hockey Federation selector was seen with a cricket bat in hand at the Indian Airlines ground in a six-a-side corporate cricket tournament, organised by an NGO — Phoenix Sports for the Underprevileged. When he entered the field, spectators were left bemused and wondered whether the legend would be able to handle the cricket bat. However, he cleared everyones doubts with his spectacular batting, bowling and wicket-keeping for Air India.

With most players above the age of 30 playing the tournament, the 40-year-old was the fastest of all. His running matched any other youngster onthe field.

Such was his charisma when he took the crease that everyone present at the venue chanted his name. Though hockey is the love of his life, he was equally enthusiastic to play the gentlemans game.

When he took the crease for batting, he played like a warrior on a mission. There wasnt even a tad bit of discomfort in his demeanour and his running between the wickets was near perfect. The rule in a six-a-side match is that a batsman must retire after scoring 30 to give the rest a chance to take the crease. Dhanraj, who was on 29, finished his innings in style hitting a six over long-off against hosts Phoenix Sports. He did exceptionally well behind the wickets and when he took to bowling, he was the most difficult bowler to be hit and was also the most economical for his team.

Pillay, for his all round effort, also earned the player of the series award. “I like this game and I play it at least once in 15 days,” said Dhanraj. In the final, Mumbai Customs got the better of Air India to win the title.Dhanraj Pillay