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.
Cheteshwar Pujara has said country cricket has helped him. Even Virat Kohli has expressed interest. Are you open to the idea of playing county cricket?
I don’t know how much it will help since I haven’t played, but even last year I was mulling the option of playing county cricket. I don’t know how much of a window we have to go and play there. There are limitations that we can’t play T20 cricket abroad. When we have a break, it is mostly T20 time there. Most of the countries allow their players to play the various T20 leagues and they turn up with a far richer experience. You saw how well Australia and England adapted when they came here.
With so much of T20 happening, scoring 300 plus in ODIs is very easy. Is it getting difficult for the bowlers now-a-days?
It feels like you are running inside a boxing ring, you can’t run for very long. People are coming to watch runs being scored and hence the product is going that way. Bowlers have always adapted and over a period of time they will adapt. But people have to understand the economy rates and strike rates in a new manner. You can’t perceive the game like it was in the 1990s when Anil Kumble or Venkatesh Prasad were bowling. It is not the same any more.
Do you think the new bat specifications will make substantial difference?
I don’t know if it will make that much of a difference. But at least if these mistimed shots, instead of lobbing over somebody, carry to the fielder, it would be nice. Some of the umpires I have spoke said it will make a difference though most of them were bowlers (laughs..).
During the WI ODI’s, we saw a new action. Will it continue in Tests?
Ever since I started, I think this is my tenth bowling action (laughs)... I don’t think you should ask me about the thought process behind this. Maybe two years down the line we can sit and scrutinise if it worked or not. I am open to change and you can expect just about anything from me.
Have you had a chance of introspection over the years?
I generally don’t introspect. I see well ahead of time and try and make changes accordingly. That is why I have been successful so far. I can see a lot of changes happening in the future. In six or 12 months from now, you will see lot of changes. Teams don’t know how to post totals any more. Teams still think 320 or 330 is a winning score. If you do that in India, you will probably lose by five or six overs. The game is heading the hockey way. It was a skill sport once upon a time and it isn’t any more. We don’t want that happening to cricket.
What is your advice to spinners in this tournament?
The format, the bat sizes, and the pitches make it increasingly difficult for spinners and even bowlers. As a bowler, one must be ready to be be hit for runs and still find a way to comeback in the next game.
