Ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL), Virender Sehwag shares his views with The Hindu on the IPL’s impact and his role as the mentor/coach of Kings XI Punjab.
Excerpts:
How much has Indian cricket benefited from the IPL?
Indian cricket has progressed and gained a lot from the IPL. It has given some very good players to the team. The youngsters get noticed because of their performance in the IPL. It pushes their case along with their good showing in domestic cricket. Some players have earned their spots after excelling in IPL.
Did you imagine IPL would become such a big stage?
We knew it was going to be a big platform but honestly never thought it would grow into what it has become today. The success of IPL was assured because cricket has a massive following in India and also overseas. We knew it would create a fan-following. But who would have thought it will grow into a sporting property which can fetch ₹16000 crore for broadcasting rights!
How much has IPL impacted cricketers?
Personally, it has changed the mindset of the cricketers. It has changed how the game is played and also the approach of the players. See, how it has set the fast pace of scoring runs in all formats of the game. There are more results in Tests because batsmen score quick. Even 350 is not a safe target in one-day cricket now.
How was your experience as a player?
I enjoyed my experience as a player for eight years. It was thrilling, winning matches for the franchises. I was satisfied with my playing career in IPL. Now my role is to guide the players and boost their morale.
What do you tell the players?
I don’t put pressure on them because that’s the way I played. I want them to play freely. Give your best. Don’t invite stress by thinking too much about the result.
How mature are the players?
They know their game. I give them the freedom to chase their game. I concentrate on ensuring they don’t get bored. It’s not easy to keep doing the same things day in and day out. Practice, match, flight and again practice, match, flight. It can get boring. I drag them away from the boring schedules. I want them to enjoy their cricket and travel.
How will this IPL be different?
Innovations are always there. I think we can have a new champion this time. Most teams are equal now in terms of strength and balance. Most teams have become competitive. Teams have begun to understand and read their opponents better now. There is so much of scrutiny and analysis.
Too much scrutiny?
The data is there for you to analyse the strength and weaknesses of the players. It works both ways. They can plan. I can plan. And change the plan. The key lies in executing the plans.
What can the fans expect from your team?
Fans can expect the world from us because this is the best Kings XI team in the last ten years. We have some fantastic Indian players (R. Ashwin, Yuvraj Singh, Karun Nair, Mayank Agarwal, K.L. Rahul, Manoj Tiwary, Mohit Sharma). And we have (Chris) Gayle. We have the stuff to win the IPL.
