TNPL 2016: I need to be strong while making decisions, says Giants skipper Chandran
Madurai Super Giants’ skipper Shijit Chandran addressed the media after his team’s seven-wicket loss in the India Cements TN Premier League against Ruby Kanchi Warriors at the NPR College Ground, Natham, on Friday. Here is an excerpt of the transcript.
Your form despite the losses?
It is just that I am confident (of my form) and that has helped me score runs. Also, our star players aren’t in great form and that is hurting us. KB (Arun Karthik), Suri (Suresh Kumar) and Francis (Rokins) are key players, but they have not been able to chip in the middle-order.
Just one player being consistent doesn’t help as we need players who can finish the innings. That is an area where we fell short.
Your approach from now on?
I am not sure (smiles). Last time I said that we will play with the same strategy, but now the management has to take a call to test our bench strength. We will see who to play and who to release for the next edition of the tournament.
Positives?
We have been fielding really well and the only negative is that we are not consistent. We have done well in patches. Even today we started well in the first ten overs only to lose the plot later on. Even during bowling, they played well in the first five overs after which we bounced back.
On being motivated despite the losses?
We have to give something back to the franchise as they believed in us and picked us during the player drafts. Even in today’s team meeting, I told everyone to be positive in their approach to the game.
Takeaways from the tournament?
I am playing well (as a batsman) and am confident of taking responsibility (as a captain). But I need to be strong as a skipper, especially during decision-making.