Batter Randev (pictured) among new arrivals at Plympton | 'Rahul is a proven performer with the bat, who will also add strength to our spin options' – Harry Kandampully
BY CONRAD SUTCLIFFE
PLYMPTON skipper Harry Kandampully has had a busy winter rebuilding his first-team squad for the B Division campaign ahead in the Tolchards Devon Cricket League.
Back-to-back relegations from the Premier and the A Divisions sent Plympton down to the DCL B Division, where they last played way back in 1997.
Plympton’s decline in status has cost them players over the past two seasons, notably Devon batter Elliot Hamilton to Tavistock and highly promising Callum Williams, who has switched to Plymouth.
Rather than dwelling on the ‘been-and-gone’ brigade, Kandampully sees change as a good thing for the club.
“Losing players like Elliot and Callum is never easy, but this is a turning point at the start of our rebuild,” said Kandampully.
“The side that played in the Premier Division has largely moved on, with only myself and Alex Carr remaining.
“Alex, as 2nd XI captain, is focused on developing the next group of players into first-team cricketers, so we’re building something really strong across the club.”
Kandampully said central to the rebuild are a number of ‘exciting new signings’, starting with the return of Harnoop Kalsi from Roffey CC in Sussex.
“Harnoop featured in the early part of last season and impressed with the ball but, in his own words, underperformed with the bat and has worked hard on that over the winter ahead of this campaign,” said Kandampully.
Also joining is top-order Rahul Randev, who arrives from Plymouth CC.
“Rahul is a proven performer with the bat, who will also add strength to our spin options,” said his new captain,
Further additions include Eldho Mathew and Thomas Blay, who join from Victory Cricket Club (Derbyshire) and Sileby Town (Leicestershire) respectively.
“Both players will help provide healthy competition within the squad, with Mathew strengthening the batting unit and Blay offering quality as an all-rounder,” said Kandampully.
Kandampully said increasing competition for places has been a key objective during the close season.
“We feel like we’re building a really strong squad now, with genuine competition for spots, and that’s exactly what I wanted when I became captain,” Kandampully added.
Kandampully feels Plympton’s approach to player development has been a major factor in attracting new talent.
“A lot of these players have bought into what we’re trying to do,” he said. “We offer one-to-one coaching at training and give players the opportunity to really showcase their talents. That’s been a big pull for us.”
Kandampully is hoping with a refreshed squad, and a clear long-term vision, Plympton will look to use this season as the foundation for future success as their rebuild gathers momentum.
