Published: Apr 21, 2014, 06:28 PM (IST)
Edited: Apr 21, 2014, 06:28 PM (IST)
Apr 21, 2014
Former chairman of selectors, Krishnamachari Srikkanth, spoke about the merits of the Indian Premier League (IPL), the impressive line-up of the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and their excellent bowling attack, and the epic last-ball six by Javed Miandad off Chetan Sharma.
Talking to Gulf News, Srikkanth said, “IPL gives you an opportunity to showcase your talent. Of course, India’s domestic tournaments like Ranji Trophy, Duleep Trophy and Irani Trophy helps one to get into the national team, but the Twenty 20 angle IPL gives a direct entry into the Indian team. From an overall picture, IPL gives a direction and an opening for players and also give selectors an opportunity to watch their skills. It’s a window to show a cricketer’s skills.”
On his new job as mentor of the Sunrisers, the former Indian captain said, “My job now is to inspire the players… I am sure as long as I can motivate them, give them the right support, they will go out and do well. Upcoming players need a lot of support. From a team strategy what we should be doing and what we should not be doing and how to approach the game is very important.”
He went on to clarify the roles that he and VVS Laxman play in the side. “Laxman and I do the job of mentors. He takes one portion and I take another portion. It is all about how to succeed and how to manage Twenty20 cricket pressures,” said the ex-opener.
Talking about the Hyderabad side, Srikkanth said, “I feel we have a very strong side. Our top order is very strong. We are one of the best bowling sides. From last year to this year the framework of the team has changed and the strength of team too has changed. After bringing in Aaron Finch, we now have Shikhar Dhawan, David Warner at the top and Darren Sammy already in the middle and then we have Dale Steyn, Amit Mishra, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Ishant Sharma.”
Sharma concluded by talking about the infamous match at Sharjah that Pakistan won off the final delivery of the match. “I will never forget the last-ball six by Javed Miandad off Chetan Sharma,” said Srikkanth. “Though we lost the match to Pakistan, it was one of the greatest matches I have ever played. It was an Austral-Asia Cup final and those moments live with me even now. My best knock was the century against West Indies against an attack led by Curtly Ambrose,” he said.
Click here for IPL 2014 Schedule: Match time table for IPL 7
Click here for IPL 2014 Schedule & Results
Click here for IPL 2014 complete coverage
