TNPL 2016: We have the necessary batting strength to counter spin, says Dragons coach Venkatramana

Dindigul Dragons coach Venkataramana and skipper Subramaniya Siva addressed the media ahead of their India Cements TN Premier League semi-final against Albert Tuti Patriots at the India Cements Limited Ground at Sankarnagar, Tirunelveli. Excerpts from the transcript:

On the experience of being in TirunelveliVenkataramana: It is definitely an advantage as we got to know the ground, wind conditions, and wickets. That will be helpful in preparing for the semifinals.

On Ashwin’s availabilityVenkataramana: We are still awaiting his confirmation. There is a certain permission to be sorted before he comes, but we are definitely trying to get him (for the match).

How important is the wind factor?Siva: It will play a crucial role because it is not easy to play against (the wind). It can be an advantage for the bowling team, as when the run-rate creeps higher, it will be crucial for batsmen to attack from both ends. At that time, wind conditions will prove as a disadvantage for batsmen, and it is definitely going to be tough.

Any special plans for Dinesh Karthik and Abhinav Mukund?Siva: We have special plans for every player in the opposition. But, we will discuss it with our coaches, video analysts, and ask them to come up with some plans as well.

Venkataramana: If we stick to a proven strategy, I think we will be fine. We will make some changes, if required, else things are going fine. We will stick to our basic strategy and will do our job. We will be playing to our strengths.

How important is the toss?Venkataramana: Toss will definitely play a crucial role, as it is the fag end of the tournament, and the wickets will start assisting the spinners. If you look at our strengths, we have good spinners – a big advantage.

Also, the tournament ground committee is trying very hard to come up with a good wicket, and maintain a good standard. As a coach, I am very happy with whatever comes in my way.

Will your bowling back up the weakness in your batting?Venkataramana: Our bowlers are doing their job, they even restricted the opposition to 120. We have been giving good run-chases, as we have come close during certain matches. So, that way, we look a very balanced side.

Over-dependency on N Jagadeesan and Ganga Sridhar RajuSiva: Jagadeesan has been doing well for us throughout (the tournament) – a very good thing. Also, he is playing most of the deliveries, and it is great if we get a good platform from the openers.

It is not that we are dependent solely on them, but then any team will be happy if their openers give them a solid platform. We have a very good middle-order, and lower-order batsmen, so I hope we win.

Is the team’s confidence on an all-time high post the win against Albert Tuti Patriots in the league stage?Venkataramana: It is the knock-out stage, so whichever team qualifies (for the semifinals) will try and give their best. We can’t take any team lightly as we consider them as strong contenders. We have put behind the league stage and are approaching the knock-out phases with a fresh approach.

The importance of spinners on this wicket?Venkataramana: The form of our spinners will be crucial (on this wicket) as we will try to attack (the batsmen). Also, spinners from every franchise have been successful in this tournament, but we have reasonable batting strength to counter it.

Even if we restrict them to 140 odd, we can chase that down.