Baba Indrajith ready to lead Ruby Kanchi Warriors challenge

Ruby Kanchi Warriors Captain Baba Indrajith, Coach S Suresh coach, Assistant Coach Sree Kumar Nair and Executive Director Sanjay Sampath addressed the media ahead of the opening match in the India Cements TN Premier League. They will face the Lyca Kovai Kings in their opener on August 26.

What is your strategy as a team and are you focusing on any area in particular?

Indrajith: There will be a lot of challenges in every match and the challenges will differ in every game. In yesterday’s match, we were able to learn something from watching the game on TV. Bowling, batting and fielding — all the departments are equally important. If you see the way we work, we are focusing on our strengths and areas where we can improve as a team.

How have your preparations been? What is the mood in the dressing room?

Suresh: The mood in the team is really upbeat as everyone is really eager to play this tournament. It is a good exposure for them. Especially after watching the first match, everyone is aware of the atmosphere and pressure, so that’s good. Our preparation over the last two weeks, we’ve really worked hard and the team is gelling well together. Since the players have come from different teams we’ve worked hard for them to gel together as a unit. Focus has been on all three areas — batting, bowling and fielding. We are looking forward to the game.

Indrajith: As sir (Suresh) said, we’ve been preparing well. We have focused a lot on all the departments. Preparations have been good, we had played two practice games and learned a lot from that, so it’s good.

What are your thoughts on the captaincy?

Indrajith: Obviously, it will be challenging, not only for me but for others as well. This is a big stage that is new for everyone but we are looking forward to it. This is an exciting tournament.

Are you looking forward to bowling a few overs for your team?

Indrajith: If the situation is right then I will take the ball in my hand.

This will be the first experience for a lot of players under lights? Your thoughts…

Suresh: Like you said, it will be the first experience for a few guys but the other guys who have played under lights have shared their experiences with them. We have also practiced under the lights the last few weeks. Whatever it is the match scenario will be different but the boys are prepared for it.

Indrajith: It’s true they haven’t played under lights but awareness is important. There will be a lot of new things like external factors and the crowds. However aware you are, it will take some time for them to implement it. The faster we learn, the better for us.

What were your thoughts about the Chennai crowd?

Sampath: We were eagerly watching the stands and it was a good crowd. We have a small fan base that is going to travel for us but we would like them to cheer for us, be active and energetic. Hopefully the camera gets them.

How do you hope to increase your fan base?

Sampath: We are based in Kancheepuram and lot of schools and colleges are there. Before coming into the India cements TN Premier League we have been sponsoring a lot of tournaments in schools and colleges. So it’s a start and we will kick off from there.

Is there any talent we should watch out for from your team?

Nair: There are quite a few exciting talents but I don’t want to put pressure on them by naming them. You will definitely be happy to see a lot of exciting talents — I can assure you of that. We won’t let you down.