An interview with Mumbai Indians all-rounder Tajinder Singh Dhillon 

Agra boy Tajinder Singh Dhillon's dream was fulfilled earlier this year when he was procured by the Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League(IPL) auction. Tajinder's cricketing journey started at a young age of 8 when his uncle decided to take him to the Dholpur cricket academy. The all-rounder trained under the guidance of his coach Suminder Tiwari who helped him from a young age.

He earned the IPL call-up on the back of his domestic performance. The 25-year-old impressed one and all with his all-round skills. He contributed with both bat and ball in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy by scoring 198 runs and taking 8 wickets in the tournament. His best performance came against Mumbai. He scored a quickfire 43 and also picked up 2 wickets as the Rajasthan side defeated Mumbai. Tajinder's side managed to reach the finals of the tournament.

Sportskeeda recently caught up with the all-rounder during the IPL. Here are a few excerpts from the interview:

Q. How has your experience been working with Sachin Tendulkar?

Tajinder: It's a dream for every Indian to talk with him. I feel very fortunate that Sachin sir is my mentor in Mumbai Indians. I always try to learn from him, I always try to focus on every small detail from him. I try to learn about batting in pressure situations and how he handles himself in these situations. It's a pleasure to learn both small and big things from him. It's a dream come true moment for me.

Q. Do you see yourself more as a bowler or as a batsman? What role do you enjoy the most?

Tajinder: I enjoy both batting and bowling. The thing for me is that my role should suit the requirement of the team. Any role which is useful and helpful for my team is the best role and that is when I enjoy the most.

Q. How has the atmosphere been in the Mumbai Indians camp after a poor start to the season?

Tajinder: It's been good despite the results. It's a learning atmosphere with legends around here, you always have the opportunity to learn.

Q. The Mumbai Indians camp has many big names like Sachin Tendulkar and Mahela Jayawardene, what message do they pass on when the going isn't smooth?

Tajinder: They are all here to help us and share their valuable inputs and experiences. They always encourage the youngsters to do something big and good. They give us the motivation to perform better.

Q. How do you look to take this experience forward as your career progresses?

Tajinder: This is my first year in the IPL and it is with the most successful franchise. This experience will help me a lot with Sachin sir being around. It will help me for the upcoming seasons and this experience will prove beneficial even after that.

Q. Is there any other cricketer who you admire?

Tajinder: Virat Kohli. His dedication level is just amazing.

Q. You play for Rajasthan in domestic cricket. How do you cope up with the weather conditions and how do you keep yourself fit?

Tajinder: It's important to maintain the fitness in the offseason and also during the season. When I play I don't think about the heat, cold and the weather conditions. I just try to concentrate on my cricket and I believe that if you are determined by your work then there is nothing which can stop you from achieving your goals.

Tajinder is a hard-working and determined cricketer. We at Sportskeeda wish him all the best in all his future endeavours.