Indian opener Murali Vijay has said that he doesn’t see the presence of KL Rahul and Shikhar Dhawan in the Indian team as competition and admitted that all three batsmen were on the same page.
“I know there are Rahul and Dhawan. But I don't see this as a competition. We are all on the same page when it comes to playing for India. If I get an opportunity, I will give my best and I am sure it is the same with both Rahul and Dhawan," Vijay said in an interview to Cricbuzz.
The 32-year-old didn’t have the best of time in last month’s tour to West indies, where he couldn’t play beyond the first Test thanks to an injured thumb on his right hand. Speaking about that experience, Vijay said that the injury was unfortunate, but he had now put that in the past and started to look ahead to what promises to be an exciting home season.
"It was quite unfortunate that I got a knock on my thumb in the first Test and didn't get a chance in the next two games. But that is in the past now. I have set a standard in opening the innings and I have to keep on pulling that standard up. I know that there is long stretch of home Test series and I am definitely putting in something extra. I will be looking at the opponent bowlers and plan accordingly. My approach towards the game remains the same. I have been never complacent and have always strived to better my performance," he added.
Despite not playing,however, Vijay and the rest of his teammates had the opportunity to interact with Sir Vivian Richards and recalling the meeting, the right-hander said he was touched by his humility.
"Richards' humility really touched me. The way he behaved was amazing. I had a general chat with him. With Kumble, I have always shared a good rapport. At this level, there is nothing to coach. But then, speaking to him helped me to clear my mind. He told me to how to go about things," he said.
When asked about the ongoing Tamil Nadu Premier League, where he is in the Lyca Kovai Kings squad, Vijay said that the competition could help the younger players stake a claim into the state sides and on a personal front, he hoped to learn from the head coach of the franchise Lance Klusener.
“It is a great initiative. These are quite high-pressure games. So youngsters will learn how to handle pressure.If the players perform well, they can stake a claim in the state side. The presence of foreign coaches will also help them.
“He(Klusener) has been an unbelievable finisher in his days. I hope I can pick up a thing or two by working with him,” he concluded.
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