L Balaji reveals what the aim of youngsters in TNPL should be

Monty ‘Mrugng’ Desai (Team Mentor) and Lakshmipathy Balaji of Albert Tuti Patriots addressed the media on Friday ahead of their India Cements TN Premier League game against Karaikudi Kaalai at the India Cements Limited Cricket Ground at Sankarnagar, Tirunelveli. Here is an excerpt from the transcript.

On the availability of your players?

Monty: DK (Dinesh Karthik) won’t play but others from the 19-man squad are available. Also, Abhinav Mukund is expected to join us in a couple of hours.

What went wrong in the last game?

Balaji: In T20s this is what you expect - some days go well and on some days it doesn’t. It is a long tournament and there are nine matches to be played (if we qualify). We have to look at the broader picture. We can’t take anything from the previous match. Whether we win or lose we have to leave it there and move on. That is what T20 is all about. I am sure the boys have learnt and it is an experience for them. We have got an opportunity to play well as a unit and play as well as we can.

What is the standard of fast bowling in this tournament?

Balaji: The platform is very nice and it is an eye-opener for many players. When new kids come and do well, it is a big thing for them. It is a great set-up. There are a lot of prominent coaches like Robin Singh, Michael Bevan, and Monty. It is a big influence for district-level cricketers to bridge the gap between first-class and division leagues. They become more professional in their approach.

How do you rate the teams in the tournament so far?

Monty: From a viewer’s perspective I think it has been great to have a super-over in the very first week of the league. Young players playing those critical shots under pressure is wonderful to see. One individual can take a game away from you and some of these results that have come out only stresses that the league is very competitive. We can’t take any team lightly.

Your thoughts on the quality of cricket played so far?

Balaji: Firstly we can’t compare this tournament to any international-level tournament like say the Indian Premier League (IPL). This is a domestic format and very much an inter-district format. It is an opportunity for district cricketers to establish themselves.

Their goal should be to play for the state first and this tournament is a big learning curve. With this platform and exposure, the tournament has done phenomenal things like live coverage, an opportunity to play alongside cricketers who have represented the country and a chance to be coached by few of the best coaches in India.

Also, this tournament will definitely help the younger players to level up. I sense a very positive outcome and the league is good news for everyone. If an international cricketer loses form, he can come and play such a competitive league. Same applies for state cricketers as well. TNCA have done well to establish this league.

Monty: It boils down to skill set. A classic example is that of a left-arm spinner bowling post which a right-hander comes and plays an inside out shot. Good cricket is being played in the tournament. Many are bowling intended yorkers and it is heartening to see a left-hander walking in and taking the left-arm spinner on. They have understood how this format is working. The more exposure they get the better.

How can the players stay motivated after being on the bench?

Balaji: If it were me then I would have taken such an opportunity. This tournament is like a dream come true for district cricketers. They can share the dressing room with many professional cricketers. When I was a youngster, I used to be in the Chemplast dressing room which had stars like Dinesh Mongia and Jatin Paranjpe. Such players motivate you. Motivation and inspiration shows on the field. The fact is only eleven can play and the rest will also get their chance. The boys are motivated and are keen to put a good show.

Monty: The players have been receptive and they understand as to why they are not in the playing XI. At the same time, we also understand their disappointments. You can see their efforts in the nets and in the practice matches.

What are you plans for Karaikudi Kaalai?

Balaji: There is no specific plan as of such. We just want to go out there and win. The outcome may change; few players can do well, few fail in some matches - that is what makes the league so competitive. We will try to gain some momentum and look to stay positive. There is no small or big team, what is important is to make winning a habit.