Chennai, Jan 18: Tamil Nadu skipper L Balaji sounded positive about his team’s chances of lifting the Ranji Trophy 2011-12 as he spoke to the media on the eve of the final. The lanky pacer was pleased with his team’s cohesiveness and feels that hunting in packs has helped the team immensely. The last time TN played in the final of the premier domestic tournament was way back in 2003-04 when Mumbai beat them to lift the Trophy. Balaji believes that the much improved TN team will give the defending champions, Rajasthan, a tough fight in the match starting tomorrow.
Excerpts from Balaji’s press-conference:
On the wicket
It is the same wicket [on which] we played against Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. There will be something for both the batsmen as well as the bowlers.
On whether they will retain the same team that played semi-final or are there any changes
We will look at the wicket in the morning and try to see which combination will work on this wicket.
On pressure of playing in the final
I have played [a] lot of finals. I have played one final in Mumbai and I know what is it all about. […] take it as just another game.
On what worked for Tamil Nadu who didn’t start as favourites
I think the bridging between the new comers and the seniors […], the bridging is very important for me. And the bowling which I wanted to play as a unit. It’s about [a] complete pack which go at the batsmen, are there for 90 overs and the pressure we build [and] control the game very well from the bowling unit. That helps the team to progress to the next level. We have overcome tough moments. I have always believed in the three formulas of playing at the next level is – courage , intelligence and skill, its all there […].
On what he did as a captain to extract good performances from players like Yo Mahesh, R Prasanna and others
Our league system shows [a lot of quality]. [R] Prasanna has been playing and getting runs. We should give him right opportunity. If he can get runs in the best league system of the country [then] definitely he can transform that into the highest form of cricket. I believe in that. He has matured as a player and taken the pressure [and] applied himself. That’s what I like, the mental endurance, especially Yomi and Prasanna.
On whether he played a part in J Kaushik’s development
I feel he should have been played much before. Whatever opportunities he has got, [he has taken]. He has taken six wickets in the first game and from there he progressed and marked his way to this level. Never looked back and he has been a tremendous [and] integral part of the bowling unit right now. That helps. [He brings in] different variety. We take the ball away [from the batsman], but he [bowls] the inswinger, the in dipper [which] brings an extra thing for the opposition to concentrate on.
On how much have the previous failures that he and the seniors have faced helped to build for the successes today
It is a team game. I feel I have got the right team and am part of the right team which can take this process to the next level. The bowling unit looks really good, which I felt was lacking in [last] twelve years of cricket. [There was] over dependence on one or two individuals, that is not there today. Today, everyone knows their role, everyone stands-up [to be counted], whenever the team is pushed in to a corner.
On the last match with Rajasthan where runs played a big role and Rajasthan went to the finals, whether this one would be a replay
[…] It will be good cricket, two innings cricket that shows a result oriented game so. We will look to take twenty wickets.
On the crowd turnout and improvisations for the final
We [have] got a decent crowd and home support will be a huge thing. You have to control the cricket, whatever aspect you are playing. Whenever the opponent throws at you any kind of situation you have to come out of it. […] give hundred percent.
On which team is the favourite to win
In the final, both the teams have come a long way to reach wherever they are today, because they must have worked really hard. They are here for a purpose. We also know what we are looking at. That shows a lot of challenge and gives a lot of competitiveness between the teams. Definitely, it will be a good competition.
