TNPL 2016: We need that one win to get up and running, says Karaikudi Kaalai skipper Badrinath

Subramanium Badrinath, skipper of Karaikudi Kaalai, addressed the media on Friday ahead of his team’s India Cements TN Premier League game against Albert Tuti Patriots at the India Cements Limited Cricket Ground at Sankarnagar in Tirunelveli. Any special strategy for Albert Tuti Patriots?Badrinath: There is no special strategy as such, but we need to address some issues. I don’t want to reveal what we are planning to do. There will be some different plans and combinations that we have been working on.

What about the extras conceded in the last match?Badrinath: In the last two games our bowling has not been up to the mark. In the first game too, we batted well and posted a decent score, only to lose in the end. Two bad overs plus an excellent knock took the match away from us. It is not only about skill level but also about pressure. It is a big stage for the boys, who are very young and with live telecast, they are nervous! It is all about handling pressure with mental strength.

How do you deal with pressure on field?Badrinath: The important thing for me is to be a calming influence. It was tough for me to keep calm in such a situation. But we know things should be kept simple and not instruct the younger players to do this or that under pressure. I told them that it is okay to concede runs at times and not be result-oriented. We should focus on what we want to execute.

How has the tournament been so far?Badrinath: It is going pretty well. I have to congratulate TNCA for their handling of the tournament. Except Dindigul, no other team looks formidable. But then all teams are either too weak or strong, which is good. Also, it is not a one-horse race. We are also getting to the stage where we need to play good cricket. I am sure the tournament will be closely contested and it will be a clash of equals.

On the performance of the senior playersBadrinath: I and Anirudha (Srikanth) haven’t fired in the first two games. But then we still managed to score about 160. Also, in the second game, we could have scored much more with one good partnership. The seniors deserve praise for it and if the others start chipping in we will start winning more games. We definitely are a good team.

How does your experience benefit youngsters?Badrinath: It is a challenge for me and the important thing is to not just play cricket or score runs. At the end of day, I would like to contribute in other dimensions like helping youngsters play their best cricket and finding ways to get the best out of them.

It is important for the younger players to go back as better players once the league ends. I wouldn’t say it is a difficult job, but it is challenging and I am enjoying it. After all these years of experience, I have a responsibility of giving it back to the game and the younger players.

Thoughts on the venue? Badrinath: It is usually a good wicket and I have played two to three Ranji Trophy matches at this venue. I saw Thursday’s game and I think there might be some turn. It is a very good ground and has hardworking ground staff.

What is the weak point for Patriots?Badrinath: I think they lack firepower in their batting which was evident in their last game. If we restrict them to a good score then we have chance to hunt it down.

What were the positives from the first two games?Badrinath: The form of M Vijaykumar is one positive. We were thinking whether to play him or not, but now it is sorted. Also, the way R Rajkumar played in the first match was tremendous. Our spinners have been doing the job for us. But then our seamers haven’t bowled up to expectations. Sonu Yadav is another big positive for us. He bowled exceptionally well in the death overs. R Srinivasan also has been batting well and is performing his duties efficiently.

In the first match, we didn’t play bad cricket but then a couple of bad overs took the game away from us. Two 20-run overs changed the course of the game. We are not too far away from getting off the mark despite the results looking worse than what it is. We just need one win to be up and running.