CHENNAI: Even though national duty beckons R. Ashwin, the off-spinner spent a significant amount of time with his TNPL side Dindigul Dragons ahead of the second season that starts on Saturday.
Excerpts from a media interaction with the ICC Cricketer of Year..
What are your expectations from TNPL?
Last year it put Tamil Nadu in a strong position. Because of this tournament we had a lot more talent to choose from and we went on to win the Vijay Hazare Trophy and did pretty well in Ranji Trophy. I think it gives them more games and opportunities to play limited overs cricket and obviously it helped enhance the performance at the national level. As a whole, it brings a lot to the table for Tamil Nadu cricket.
Do you think having international players or players who have played bigger tournaments will help give the local talent more exposure?
I am sure TNPL as an organisation has explored all the options. The legalities and limitations with respect to implementing is entirely dependent on what the communication is between TNPL and BCCI. Even having outstation players will increase the magnitude of tournament. But the positive is that Tamil Nadu players will get more opportunities and that gives a bigger pool of talent for the state side. But I am sure in a few years things will change and you will see players from other parts of the country.
What do you expect from the likes of N. Jagadeesan and M. Aswhin after a very good first season?
I am sure M. Ashwin has got the experience to deliver the good every year. He has played the IPL in the last two years. He has come back stronger from a different experience of sorts. He was a net bowler with CSK and the similar set up was there at Pune in 2016, so he felt at home. But this year he went to Delhi Daredevils which was a new environment and he has come back stronger. With respect to Jagadeesan, the message from the franchise is to go out and play exactly like what he did last year. Even if the results don’t go our way, it is fine. He needs to enjoy the game rather than look to put runs on board because that is going to put pressure on him.
How far TNPL is going to help these players prepare for Test cricket?
T20 is a completely different sport and the requisites are completely different. The skill window in the game goes out massively compared to Test cricket. What it can teach is to handle pressure and how to handle being scrutinised on TV. They will be in good stead.
Your thoughts on CSK’s comeback?
I think CSK is very close to the city. A team that has done so well in the IPL was definitely missed and I think the two-year hiatus has only increased the value of the team. The fans across the country and even around the globe are looking forward. I just hope it turns out to be a very good comeback for CSK.
