‘Looking for good performance in IPL’

Excerpts :

You had a successful run in the recently concluded Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy by top scoring for Punjab in the semi-finals against Uttar Pradesh. How do you see that performance?

The tournament proved to be a good outing for me. Even though we lost in the finals,I will remember my knock of 93 runs against Uttar Pradesh in the semi-finals. The T-20 format required quick adjustment and I am happy that I was able to do that in the tournament. The team played well throughout the tournament and I learnt a lot from this experience. Teams like Uttar Pradesh are very strong in the domestic circuit and a good performance against a team like them always boosts one’s confidence.

Last year,you were an unknown name till you played that knock of 29 runs against Deccan Chargers in the IPL. After that you also played for Punjab in the Ranji Trophy and other tournaments. How will you rate this experience?

I was fortunate that I got a chance to display my talent during last year’s IPL. The knock gave me a lot of confidence and I was glad that I was able to contribute in the team’s win. Later,I played for Punjab in the Ranji Trophy and spending time with fellow cricketers like Manpreet Gony has helped me a lot in improving my game. I am concentrating hard on this season’s IPL and the upcoming Ranji Trophy. At the same time,I have set my eyes on bagging a place in the India ‘A’ squads. However,that will only come with strong performances in these tournaments.

Adam Gilchrist is back as the skipper of the Kings XI Punjab team for this year’s IPL. Darren Lehman will be the coach of the side. How do you see their roles?

Adam has been a motivating force for all of us. He spends time with youngsters and always helps us in every aspect of the game. We are happy to see him back with the Kings. We share a certain equation with him and he shares good understanding with everyone of us. Coach Lehman has spent the last two days with the team and he comes as a very supporting figure. He was the coach of the Brisbane Heats in the Big Bash and guided them to the title win this year. We are hopeful that in the coming two months we will be able to give our best performance.

After the IPL,what are your plans for the season ahead?

I am aiming for a good performance in the IPL. Last year,I could not do much in the Ranji Trophy. I know that for getting a chance in the India ‘A’ side,I have to do well in competitions like Ranji Trophy,which will pave a way for me in competitions like Deodhar Trophy. After the IPL,I plan to spend some time playing in domestic tournaments in Punjab.