‘Tamil Nadu can’t be a soft team anymore’: New coach Yo Mahesh demands attitude shift | Cricket News

CHENNAI: After a lengthy selection process, Tamil Nadu finally announced former India ‘A’ pacer Yo Mahesh as their head coach on Wednesday. The 38-year-old, who replaces M Senthilnathan (red-ball) and M Venkataramana (white-ball), will take charge of a side searching for answers after two underwhelming seasons across formats.Though appointed on a six-month contract, Yo Mahesh, who was promoted after coaching the state’s U-19 boys’ team last season, is clear about the immediate priorities as he begins his tenure at one of TN’s lowest ebbs in recent years.“There has to be a proper foundation laid. We need to start building a culture within the Tamil Nadu senior team. Players need to feel secure, and there has to be proper role clarity. These are the small boxes that need to be ticked from the management side, and that is what has been missing so far. These were the discussions I’ve had with TNCA president (TJ Srinivasaraj) and secretary (U Bhagwandas Rao) to ensure it helps in the long term,” Yo Mahesh told select media after his appointment.Yo Mahesh also stressed the need for a ‘tinker in attitude’, insisting TN can no longer afford to be soft in its approach.“I am sure that with the amount of talent we have, we can create moments of brilliance, provided we give players the right direction and empower them in the right way. We also need to tinker our attitude a bit. I feel that needs to be realigned. Our attitude cannot be soft anymore. Cricket across India is played with a different attitude and that is something we need to address. We need to turn up ready for a fight.”One big aspect that the Chennai-born coach believes will work in his favour is his familiarity with several players in the current set-up, having shared the dressing room with some of them during his playing days.“I obviously have that familiarity with them, so that’s a massive advantage. I don’t need to spend time breaking the ice or trying to gel with the boys. There are a few youngsters with whom I need to get that going, but the important thing is that many of them already know me,” said Yo Mahesh, who has played 50 First Class matches for Tamil Nadu.“Yes, it is still going to be a challenge because over the last couple of years, we haven’t really done justice to the amount of talent available in the state. That’s where this advantage can help. I can have straightforward conversations with these boys and understand what’s happening. If I need to pull someone up, I don’t have to spend too much time . That’s one aspect that can help us move on from last season.”