Ranji Trophy 2016-17: Abhinav Mukund keen to captain Team Tamil Nadu

Abhinav Mukund had a great season with regards to Duleep Trophy and among runs these days; Mukund seems to stay for long. Mukund was part of TNPL’s TUTI Patriot, the winning team in this edition, after his side was defeated in the final of Duleep Trophy. He has been the captain of Tamil Nadu Ranji team for the last two seasons. While the last season did not go as per the plans as most of the matches held at home were ruined by rains and was one of the major cause for their defeat in the previous season. However, Mukund did not lead Tamil Nadu for the Ranji final in 2015. But there has not been a single moment where he has not enjoyed his captaincy. Mukund is confident this time the Tamil Nadu team has the right bunch of cricketers this season and is looking forward to lead the side once again in Ranji Trophy 2016-17. Speaking to The Hindu, Mukund said, “Of course. I take the job as a challenge. I want to guide cricketers who need help. I do not look at captaincy as an additional responsibility. I like being a leader. I do not allow captaincy to work on my mind when I am at the crease. When I am batting, I am just a batsman doing his job. I do not let other things bother me. Then, when I take the field with the team, I have a different mindset. To tell you the truth, I enjoy captaincy. And I am available for captaincy.” Mukund has high hopes with Tamil Nadu team this season and is hopeful the new coach Hrishikesh Kanitkar can bring the difference for the team, “If you look at the probables, we have some exciting talent in the team. He is one of the cleverest coaches around. He is a calm and collected individual, and the right man for the job.” ALSO READ: Match Report: Abhinav Mukund leads India Red to 219-run win against India Green in Duleep Trophy Speaking about his Duleep Trophy experience and being a part of the winning side in TNPL, Mukund said “I made 77 and 169 in that match. It was a new experience playing against the pink ball under lights. I had to do it for my side Tuti Patriots and the TNPL. When the physio gave me the green signal, I was ready. Two years back, I thought batting in Twenty20 (T20) cricket was all about slogging. Now I have realised that you can play your normal cricket, be positive, play shots and rotate the strike.” ALSO READ: Abhinav Mukund creates history in Vijay Hazare Trophy 2015-16 against Gujarat He specifically had a great experience in T20 cricket and TNPL in particular, “The atmosphere in the team was very good. There was a good blend of seniors and younger players. And our support staff — head coach J.R. Madanagopal, assistant coach D.J. Gokulakrishnan and mentor Monty Desai — was very good.  The side showed character. We lost three games in a row and then went on to win five matches straight, including the semifinal and final.”