K Parthasarathy, the well-known former pitch curator for the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association (TNCA), passed away on Sunday. The association did not, however, neglect to express their sympathies to the family of the deceased and to acknowledge his significant contributions to cricket’s growth both on and off the ground.
Cricket has long been a popular sport in the Indian subcontinent. Many legends have been honoured and revered over the years, particularly in India. On the day of the match, however, the individuals who work in the background frequently provide the strong foundation necessary to turn anticipated circumstances into reality. Therefore, they are frequently overlooked despite their outstanding contributions to the game of cricket, making them the unsung heroes of Indian cricket.
Former MA Chindambaram Stadium Chief Pitch Curator Parthasarathy held the position from 1972 to 2013. Together with his staff, the unsung hero used to put in endless effort to guarantee the MAC Stadium had first-rate amenities and playing conditions, including net facilities.
In fact, cricket runs deep in his family history, since his father, KS Kannan, was regarded as an excellent First-Class player. Many cricket legends have praised the pitches that Parthasarathy produced during his nearly five-decade career. Aside from that, he was a well-known coach with a lot of goodwill. Additionally, the TNCA honoured him during the 2020–21 Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL) final match, recognising his contributions to the growth of Tamil Nadu cricket, according to the New Indian Express.
An expert at pitch curation
When discussing his groundbreaking work in creating world-class pitches for a number of iconic international cricket matches, K Parthasarathy contributed several significant improvisations and techniques. His approach to choosing the right kind of soil for a pitch was one of his most well-known creations; he frequently employed red dirt and black clay to provide all players an equal chance to display their diverse skill sets during a game.
In addition, he made sure the pitch had multiple layers to guarantee that the ball bounced and moved at a consistent pace. Because of this, the type of surface helped save time when it came to the drainage issue on wet days. Additionally, K Parthasarathy considered the influence of temperature and humidity, two elements that impact pitch preparation.
Also Read: ‘Love playing at Chepauk, one of the most supportive and appreciative crowds’- Rahul Dravid during the TNPL championship game
Finally, he demonstrated his skill in selecting the ideal grass type for a field and its proper growth, which ultimately led to a hotly contested international tournament.