TNPL 2016: It is important to have a positive mindset when playing in front of large crowds, says Warriors’ Kousik

Ruby Kanchi Warriors’ Jagadeesan Kousik spoke exclusively to the India Cements TN Premier League website ahead of the team’s game against Karaikudi Kaalai at the India Cements Limited Ground at Sankarnagar, Tirunelveli. Excerpts from the interview: On playing in the India Cements TN Premier LeagueThis has been a big experience for me, as playing under lights, in a live game, in front of a crowd is an unexpected thing. In a tournament like this, where everyone gets a chance, we are all eager to perform well. On Brett Lee’s inputsHe shared a lot of his experience with us and told what would be the mindset of the batsmen during the slog overs. He also advised us as to what type of field set-up we must have at that time. Mainly in bowling, he also taught us how to bowl yorkers outside the off-stump. What do you think is your USP?My positive is that I use speed variations effectively, whenever I bowl. I think my USP would be the slower deliveries that I bowl. As a team, what are the areas you need to improve on?We need to work on building batting partnerships because we tend to lose wickets in pairs. For instance, if a batsman gets out, another batsman follows him rather quickly. I also think we need to improve our fielding. Takeaways from the tournament?We have improved our mindset as a team, as while playing in front of big crowds, it is vital to have a positive mindset. A personal positive from the league?I have been trying to bat more positively than before and my intent has been clear. I will try to improve on it further, so that is a huge plus for me from the tournament.