It is never easy, even for a lead performer, to brush aside emotions when up against a team for which he played for six seasons. The story was no different for Rahul Chaudari when he debuted for Tamil Thalaivas against former team Telugu Titans in the Vivo PKL Season-7 the other night.
“There were a lot of emotions. I was a bit nervous. I was not sure how things would turn out to. Fortunately, we were off to a winning start against Titans,” said Chaudari in a chat with The Hindu on Tuesday.
“It was a great feeling to be back in Hyderabad and in front of such a vociferous crowd supporting me. I loved the atmosphere and enjoyed every moment on the court against Titans.”
“Honestly, I am just following the guiding principle of my coach — just do well, don’t look back. I must say here that there is lot of experience and depth in Thalaivas which was not the case with Titans, where I was the only big player looked up to by teammates,” said the 26-year-old.
“This in a way should be of great help to me as it is a joy to play alongside such a brilliant raider like Ajay Thakur. He is a huge motivator always telling — tujhe kohi nahi rokh sakega (no one can stop you). And, he encourages everyone in the team in a similar way,” added the star raider.
Depth and balance
“I sincerely hope that we will reach the final as we have the depth, balance and all-round superiority. We are determined to give more than 100 per cent and pay back to the amazing way the management is taking care of players. We were never found wanting for anything,” said the Bijnor (Uttar Pradesh)native.
“I am glad that the PKL is no more about only one Rahul or Ajay Thakur. There are so many brilliant players who are now house-hold names. This is good for the sport itself,” Rahul said.
“I was never a member of a winning team. So, I am just praying to give me the opportunity of having my hand on the winner’s trophy this time around,” he added.
