Dark clouds vanish for Prenelan
PRENELAN Subrayen celebrated his 24th birthday last week locked in a lengthy meeting with Dolphins head coach Grant Morgan about his role in the team before the forthcoming domestic season.
The heart-to-heart talk ended with the franchise boss offering him the Dolphins’ vice-captain’s position.
The off-spinner from Verulam on the Kwazulu-natal North Coast accepted and is now ready for his fifth season of professional cricket.
Leadership positions are not new for Subrayen, who captained the SA Schools XI, KZN Academy and the provincial amateur team in the past.
“I think leadership positions have always helped me play better,” said Subrayen, who made his Dolphins debut as a 19-year-old in 2012.
“Different pressures come with being part of a leadership team and that is something I enjoy.
“My opinion is that you must never change the person you are just because of your position.”
He takes over from Proteas spinner, Keshav Maharaj, who seldom plays franchise cricket these days due to involvement with the national Test team.
“For me it is about maintaining the team’s trust,” Subrayen said.
“My goal is to play every game this season. I would like to be a familiar part of the team in all formats.”
It heralds a second coming for the youngster, who has fought back from two playing suspensions for a suspect bowling action over the past three years.
“There have been a few dark clouds but I am glad that they have passed,” he adds. “I am very positive about the progress I have made since last year.”
His new role is the next step in a whirlwind past few months for the youngster.
He is still processing his inclusion in the Durban Qalandars squad for Cricket South Africa’s inaugural T20 Global League.
“It has been an exciting start to the season already,” said Subrayen.
“When I was picked by the Qalandars, I prayed immediately.
“This is a spectacular tournament and to play with the world’s best is a great opportunity.”
Morgan said Subrayen ticked all the boxes his coaching team were looking for. “Subs has the leadership qualities,” the Dolphins coach said. “He has a wonderful fighting spirit. The way he goes about his business is testament to his character.
“He will have a huge role to play in all formats of the game this season. He understands his role in the team and will play more than he won’t.”