Chennai’s Satrangi Squad in a league of its own in snooker

Ashu Lodha, an entrepreneur in the travel sector, along with snooker champion Vidya Pillai and Tamil Nadu snooker player M.C. Manoj are the pillars of Satrangi Squad, supported by Nirmal Lifestyle. The team has J. Varun Kumar as the lone player from the city. 

The team’s name denotes seven colours that stand for the colours of the snooker balls. Ashu said the initiative to popularise the sport had got her excited to buy a team in the league. “It is often referred as the game for the elite, which is not right. This is an opportunity for sport to gain popularity among masses. After the completion of the league, we have plans for an invitation cup in the city and we want to invite neighbourhood schools too. The idea is to give the sport its due and that is why I am taking the team,” she said. 

Admitting that she is a novice, Ashu banked on former champion Vidya to get started. “I did a lot of research with Vidya. It is unfortunate that she isn’t available to play with us but she has agreed to mentor the team. Her experience is invaluable. It was Vidya and Manoj who helped me put the team together,” the 45-year-old businesswoman added. According to Vidya, nicknamed Queen of the Green, the league is a good start. 

“It is the third state to have a professional league. I would not be surprised if the league grows bigger with the involvement of international players,” she said. The 38-year-old player handpicked the team in the auctions that took place earlier this month. 

“It is an advantage that I know many players very well. Having been a player myself, it is very easy to relate to them as the understanding of the sport and strategies are better,” Vidya added. Vidya said Varun was the first choice when she picked the team. 

“As a team from Chennai, we had to have a player from the city and Varun was the top choice. His exposure on the national scene is unparalleled and he is an asset for our team,” she said. As for Vidya’s role, this would be the first time she would be donning the hat of a mentor. 

“It is a huge responsibility. A team game is different than an individual game and since I am a team player, it is easy for me to strategise. I hope my experience is for the better,” Vidya said. For Varun, the opportunity to rub shoulders with the experienced crop has bowled him over. 

“The opportunities to learn from top players is immense. It would definitely make me a better player in the national scene and improve my abilities a team player,” Varun said.