Strong domestic performances always result in recognition. So it is no surprise that the mainstay of Tamil Nadu's batting, Baba Aparajith, has been talked about as a possible candidate for a spot in the Indian Test side. While he may not be in the squad for the New Zealand series, aged 22, Aparajith still has time on his side.
In an exclusive interview with Sportskeeda, the 22-year-old all-rounder spoke about his performances in the Tamil Nadu Premier League 2016, playing against his brother, his U-19 days and Tamil Nadu's chances in this year's Ranji Trophy:
You are in fantastic form in the TNPL, do you think you will score more hundreds in the format?
Definitely, I am working towards it and this is a process. So if I can get more hundreds it will be good but in T20s hundreds don't happen regularly. If you come in the first or second over, it can happen but not every time. Hopefully I can score more (hundreds), but some things have to happen as it is difficult to score a hundred if I go in the 10th over but if I go in early, I have a chance if I bat well.
What was it like playing against your brother (Indrajith) in the TNPL? What were your thoughts? Did you have a particular plan as to how to bowl to him?
I joined the team late, just about an hour before the start of the game. I was not there when the planning was happening as I was late from Delhi (playing in Duleep Trophy).
On the back of your performances in the TNPL, do you think you will get a chance in the next IPL?
Maybe, I don't know, if the teams are watching but I don't think about it and play I just want to play the best I can in the moment in the game. But if I think about that and play I will be putting extra pressure on me but maybe there is a chance that they are watching and it would be nice if they are.
Four years ago, you played in the U-19 World Cup final and performed well with both bat and ball, what was going through your mind before the final?
I did not think too much during that time. I was a small kid then I did not have too much thoughts. Although we were playing in a major final, there was no pressure because the team and the support staff did not let the pressure get to us. We were in good spirits, we just went to enjoy and we did not think too much about anything. We were in positive mindset.
Which cricketer inspired you growing up? What about current cricketers?
Obviously, Sachin and Rahul Dravid. Currently, there are plenty of players that I like, so it is difficult to name just one.
What other sports do you follow? Do you have a favorite sports person, apart from cricketer?
I watch a lot of sports. Tennis, football. Apart from cricketers, I like Roger Federer a lot.
From a young age you and Indrajith have been playing together and playing well too. But you moved to the city at a young age, away from your family to play cricket, could you talk me through the sacrifice you had to make.
It is difficult. A lot of people don't do it. We left because of the passion for cricket. We wanted to move because we thought we would have better chance in the city (with regards to grounds and school being nearby). There were sacrifices, yes, but it was all for the good, because it all happened for cricket.
How do you and Indrajith complement each other?
We help each other a lot, we talk a lot of cricket at home. If there is anything, we both just tell it directly. We both are honest about telling each other about the game.
When you are not playing or practicing to play cricket, what do you do?
We play a lot of play station and we go out for movies with friends but not a whole lot else.
Among the two of you, who got into cricket first? Or was it a mutual decision?
Together. My mom was very interested, we joined coaching at a young age and we were both interested in cricket from a young age, so you can’t say who got the interest first.
Tamil Nadu hasn't won a Ranji Trophy in more than two decades, do you think the TNPL will help in that regard?
Any cricket is good before any tournament. Ranji Trophy is coming up, it is a different format yes but at the same time, it gives you game time and preparation. Irrespective of the tournament, whether it is T20s, 50-over or four-day, if you go into a tournament having played matches then I feel you will have a lot of confidence.
Tamil Nadu's strength has always been spin. This season will be the start of neutral venues and most of Tamil Nadu's matches will take part in seamer-friendly conditions, do you think TN has the bowling resources and pacers to succeed?
Definitely, if you see, Tamil Nadu has done well in away games also, which is something a lot of people don’t know. Our fast bowlers have taken a lot of wickets and are in good rhythm. I think if, in all three departments, spinners, fast bowlers and batsmen, if we play to our potential we have a very good chance.
The Ranji Trophy is about to start next month, have you set any personal goals for yourself?
I want this to be a big season but I have no numbers in mind.
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