"VAN" (Sports Desk - 27.04.2025) :: Rajat Patidar, he was given the responsibility of leading a huge franchise. A lot of people had different opinions, but the management chose someone who they saw a future with, and he's done a tremendous job. All the games that he's captained, we've had various games, a few games where there wasn't too much pressure, and there were games where the pressure was right up, and he has conducted himself in a manner where there's absolute calmness and clarity in decision making, the way he's rotated his bowlers. That shows how good he has been this year, and like I said, there's a second half of the IPL to go and we hope he continues that way.
On Devdutt Padikkal’s performance and role
When Devdutt was with RCB, he had two stellar years. He scored close to 500 runs. He's had an unfortunate runoff form in the last three years, but again, just with the way we prepared in the auction, we were very clear about wanting a left-hander. And Devdutt sat conveniently for us on day two. I'm not going to beat around the bush and say that we went for him right away and we got him on day two.
The benefit of having worked with him before, myself and a lot of players, even Virat, who has batted a lot with him. So, having the comfort of knowing that Devdutt is available to be picked up later helped, number one, that's as far as the auction is concerned.
But as soon as we knew Devdutt was there within our set-up, the most important thing was the clarity that was given to him with regards to his role. Plus, the work, which is the most important bit after that, the work that he's put in. He was very hungry and he's been very receptive to a lot of technical and tactical ideas both Dinesh Karthik and Andy Flower have thrown at him.
And finally, the way he's gone and batted for us. There have been a couple of tricky situations and tricky conditions also. He's taken the bull by the horn and batted exceedingly well. But again, this is just nine games done and the business half of the tournament is still there and we're filled with optimism both for Devdutt and for the team.
On the Combination of Krunal Pandya and Suyash Sharma as the frontline spinners
Suyash, I think, has a big point of difference. His speed being one and we think one of his super-strengths is the ability to beat the bat on both edges. He showed that with the dismissal of Josh Inglis which was outside of the bat. The dismissal of Russell was through the batter. So, he does turn the ball. His super-strength, is the ability to turn the ball, beat the bat on both edges, and bowl at a very high speed, so to say. Plus, his action is peculiar in its own way.
So, that makes it slightly tough for the batter to read. And as far as Krunal Pandya is concerned, he is somebody who, if you saw his videos from 2016 or 2017-18, it was a completely different action. He's worked on his action. His release is very different to what it was, maybe even two years back.
So, that is the combination I'm talking about - somebody who's 34, and is still working on the technicalities of the game, trying to get more dip on the ball, drift, change his release, use the crease. There's so many things they're doing. And that's the variation we have within the attack.
Suyash Sharma is not a household name yet but he will become one. That's the belief we have as a management. And Krunal Pandya, we all know what he's done. He's won the IPL a handful of times, and he's here only for one job. And I'm not going to say what it is. We'll see at the end of the season.
Responses
Leave your comment