Super Gillies spinner speaks after maiden-wicket spell in semi-final
Chepauk Super Gillies left-arm spinner Sai Kishore spoke exclusively to the India Cements TN Premier League website after his side entered the final with a victory over the Lyca Kovai Kings. He became the first bowler to bowl three maidens in the tournament including a wicket-maiden in the semi-final
What are your thoughts on entering the finals?
It will be an exciting match. Both teams are in good form so it should be a good contest.
Tell us more on your great form with the ball.
I’m reading the wicket pretty quickly and sticking to the plans given to me. I’m working on the batsmen’s weakness rather than bowling to my strengths and it’s working for me.
Do you get a lot of advice from the seniors in the squad?
With our team we are given the confidence straight away. Satty (R Satish) anna just keeps boosting our confidence.
How does it feel to be one of the young talents to gain recognition from this league?
I’m doing my part for the team. I’m normally an attacking bowler but for my team my role is to bowl dot balls, create pressure, to restrict runs and that way to get wickets. That’s the role given to me and I’m happy that I’m executing it. Since my team is winning I’m happy with my role.
How did you enjoy the atmosphere at Chepauk today?
It was good as there were more supporters for us and I didn’t feel the pressure as I got used to it after a few games.
How have you enjoyed the India Cements TN Premier League as a youngster?
It’s a good platform for us youngsters. We can showcase our talent here. Whatever we do is being recognised by many people. I have also learned what to do and not do in front of the camera. It’s very good to be in the limelight while learning things at the same time. I wasn’t the same bowler before the TN Premier League but it has helped me raise my brand of cricket.
Do you think all the players have improved due to this league?
We need to match the best level to survive in this format and our game is growing, I feel this league has helped us do that.
What are your thoughts before the final against Albert TUTI Patriots.
If we do our things right rather than thinking of their strengths or weaknesses and tick our boxes it will be a good match.
How was it playing at the district venues?
Playing in the districts was a big thing I didn’t expect so much of a crowd in the districts. It was a great exposure for us and we got used to the feel of playing in front of a huge crowd.
How has it been working with Hemang Badani?
Badani has been really supportive of me through thick and thin. More importantly he’s a Test cricketer and to share a dressing room with a Test cricketer is a special feeling. I ask him everything about how his India experience was, playing under lights so that I can get some knowledge from him. If I get two three points also from him would be so important for me.
How has it been playing under R Satish?
Playing under Satty, first I was not used to it as normally I set my fields and do everything. But as the tournament progressed I enjoyed his captaincy as he’s doing everything for me and I don’t have to think. I just need to focus on the batsman’s weakness or my bowling strengths so it’s pretty easy playing under him.