Shaking off two forgettable seasons, B. Aparajith is back among runs in the domestic one-dayers and looks forward to continue his good touch.
Aparajith, among the top run-getters in the Vijay Hazare Trophy (598 in 12 matches) and the highest scorer in Deodhar Trophy (167 in three), said preparations in the off-season benefited him.
“I prepared really well in the off season as regards fitness and skill. That aspect is helping me now. I even worked on my bowling,” said Aparajith, who was part of the India-B side that won the Deodhar Trophy on Monday.
Aparajith — who has 3660 runs at 39.35 in 70 first class matches and 2887 runs at 43.74 in 77 List-A matches apart from taking 42 and 43 wickets respectively with his off-breaks — said he needed to keep doing the good work.
Keep at it
“Nothing will come easy, so I have to keep performing and be in the process. It is important for me to score a lot of runs — not only in one tournament, but in T20s and Ranji Trophy as well.
“The last two seasons were not great, but now I have performed well in consecutive matches.
“I should carry that consistency forward in all formats. If I keep doing well, one day that (India selection) will happen.
““For me it is important to perform in every match — batting, bowling or fielding, contribute in every match.”
The 25-year-old Tamil Nadu batsman said the challenges he faced in his eight-year-old career made him a mature cricketer.
“With experience, you keep evolving as a player. From where I started, I am able to handle situations and challenges better than before.”
Constant improvement
Aparajith’s goal is to get better every year. “I have been working on my batting…This year I wanted to get better in the technical part.
“I wanted to be a well-rounded batsman, have (more) organised batting.
“That was my goal. From last year I wanted to be 15-20 per cent better.”
Aparajith was thankful to his twin Indrajith, who has also played for the State.
“We exchange ideas. Not many people have that advantage.”
About his targets in the forthcoming Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and Ranji Trophy, Aparajith said, “I am going match-by-match.
“I need to be in the present and concentrate on what I am doing.”
