Yo Mahesh urges Tamil Nadu to be more ruthless ahead of Ranji clash with Uttarakhand

Tamil Nadu head coach V. Yo Mahesh urged his players to be more ruthless in Chennai ahead of the team's second Ranji Trophy fixture against Uttarakhand on Saturday. "I think one important aspect is for us to be — once you have settled — ruthless," said Yo Mahesh.

"It’s not a question of talent, potential, or skill. Everything is in place. It’s just about how hungry we are," Yo Mahesh added, and he called for a change in mindset before the match. "One area that I have been very straightforward with the team about is to change our attitude when it comes to how we play. It’s important that we go there, be strong, and be tough, regardless of who the opponent is or what the situation is."

On the lessons from Tamil Nadu’s first game, the former TN player singled out the bowling unit, particularly the pace bowlers, as a positive. "We need to have little patience with the bowling department. But I see it as a great start. Out of the 10 wickets that fell in the first innings, the fast bowlers took 7. Fast bowlers are very critical for the Ranji Trophy. D. Deepesh had a great debut and showed he has an X-factor," he added.

Yo Mahesh also addressed the batting group’s inability to turn starts into big scores, saying senior players must assume responsibility. "I think it is important that the top order, one has to bat long for sure. If they are settled, they have to stay until the end, until we cross the line. It has been made crystal clear to them, and I am sure they will definitely do it in the coming games," he said.

The article was published on October 17, 2026 09:44 pm IST and updated on October 19, 2026 12:32 am IST in Chennai.

Tamil Nadu will face Uttarakhand in their second Ranji Trophy fixture on Saturday in Chennai.