I had already planned to imitate the ‘Brett Lee celebration’ in the dug-out, says Kings’ Vignesh

Lyca Kovai Kings’ bowlers Harish Kumar and K Vignesh addressed the media after their team’s 16-run win in the India Cements TN Premier League against Dindigul Dragons at the India Cements Limited Ground at Sankarnagar, Tirunelveli, on Tuesday. Excerpts from the transcript:

Kudos for that inspiring spell, but what was your mindset?

Vignesh: Thank you. To start with, we played this game like a knock-out game. Yes, 140 was not a great score because we know that Dragons bat well. We started off well, giving around 20 runs in the power-play, and that was the momentum we needed. In the middle, we lost our way a bit, but we came back with wickets. Even after leaking runs, we were striking at the right time.

Given your consistency in the tournament, how confident were you?

Harish: My responsibility is to win games for the team – something which I couldn’t do in the last game. But then I wanted to do it in this match and that’s what I did.

Were you aware that their batsmen will be under pressure after losing Jagadeesan’s wicket?

Harish: When we took the top four wickets, we knew we could win as they had lost all of their in-form batsmen. Initially, our bowlers bowled well, and that made it easier for us.

Did Jagadeesan’s innings give you tense moments?

Vignesh: As I said, the start was the key for us. Giving very few runs in the initial overs was a crucial factor, and though they got five sixes in a span of three overs, we managed to bounce back. They needed a lot many runs in five or six overs and the idea was to apply pressure on their players. I have played a lot with Jagadeesan and I know his scoring areas. I had a feeling that he would come in front and hit, as he was tentative in the last two overs. So, we planned accordingly.

What was the reason for the win, batting or bowling?

Vignesh: Look, in T20s, if we need to win, it has to be with the bowling. Even if the batsmen set a target of 200, it is the bowling that has to do well. We did well in both departments and of course the fielding was superb! Batting, bowling and fielding – all three areas were extraordinary for us.

On M Mohammed’s cameo

Vignesh: We have been seeing his crucial knocks in almost five games for now and every game he hits two to three sixes. He is like Sidhu (Navjyot Singh) for our team and it has been a great boost for us. There is a difference between defending 120 and 140. A six is always a big shot in T20s and we hope he continues doing the same.

Any reasons to bat first on this wicket?

Vignesh: No result in cricket can be decided until the last delivery is bowled. But, batting first is always good because when we set a good target, there is pressure on the opponents, no matter how good a team they are. Initial wickets will always add a little pressure on that team.

On being selected for the probable list of the Ranji Trophy for the first ever time

Vignesh: It is a completely different thing. I just do what I am told to do in every game. I don’t take any future thoughts during a match and I just focus on the process.

On imitating Brett Lee’s celebrations post that wicket

Vignesh: I love Brett Lee and he is a role model for all fast-bowlers. He has the ideal fast bowler’s action. I wanted to imitate his action and even thought of it when sitting in the dug-out! I wanted one chance, but got three.