TNPL 2016: Murali Vijay says everybody is an equal in the Lyca Kovai Kings

India batsman M Vijay is a household name and the Lyca Kovai Kings were lucky to snare him at the Player Draft of the India Cements TN Premier League. A sight to behold when he is in full flow with the bat, Vijay is more than happy to share his insight with the youngsters in his squad.

In an exclusive interview with the TNPL website, the dashing batsman speaks about the tournament, his advice to youngsters and his thoughts on being part of the Kovai franchise. What are your thoughts on the India Cements TN Premier League?

It’s a great platform for Tamil Nadu cricketers. It’s an opportunity for us to showcase our talent. It’s one step closer to whoever wants to represent the state especially for the youngsters. I’m really impressed with the way few youngsters are playing from the other sides as well.

We have got good talent as well. It’s a great opportunity for them, how they are going to go about it is going to be in their hands. What advice have you given the youngsters in your squad?

All I’m trying to inculcate in them is freedom. That’s what I feel is going to take them forward. They should have the freedom to do whatever they think about and for the team. Team comes first for me and you should be able to do it under any circumstances if you only have the freedom.

I’m just trying to create an atmosphere where they feel free to do or talk or share their views to anybody. There’s no senior or no junior, everybody is equal. We are here for a purpose and we should be heading for growth rather than stagnation. What were your thoughts after the first game and how do you feel after bouncing back strongly today?

It’s a new thing for our boys. So obviously first game you can’t be very critical of them. It was a very good game of cricket and we enjoyed it thoroughly. I personally thought we really didn’t field up to the standard that we can in the first game. That cost us the game. It’s a learning process to move forward in the tournament.

So hopefully we can really work on that and play as a team. Are you looking forward to the two new venues in Dindigul and Tirunelveli?

I have watched a couple of games that have happened in Dindigul and it has been an amazing turnout over there. The excitement and buzz has been unbelievable. It’s going to be a great opportunity for youngsters and you can rub shoulders with the new talent in the state.

It’s a great exciting thing for a player like me. I’m just looking forward to that. Hopefully if they get a few more games it will be great. How have you enjoyed being part of the Lyca Kovai Kings?

They have been fantastic. I have had a few interactions with the owners and they have been really great. They have been really kind and taking care of the cricketers the way they ought to be. So it’s in positive and great hands.