TNPL 2016: I will adapt my batting as per the team requirements, says Dragons batsman Ganga Sridhar Raju

Raju has scored one 50 in the TNPL

Dindigul Dragons batsman Ganga Sridhar Raju spoke exclusively to the India Cements TN Premier League website ahead of his team’s game against Lyca Kovai Kings at the India Cements Limited Ground, Sankarnagar, Tirunelveli. Excerpts from the interview:

Do you prefer to open the batting or playing in the middle-order?
I prefer to open the innings, but I would also keep in mind what the team needs. If the situation demands me to play in the middle-order, then I will do it.

On Dindigul’s failure to capitalise on the power-play
We have been following this strategy throughout the tournament, and most likely it will remain the same. We will play according to our strengths, which is to put up 150 runs on board and then defend it. So, we are aiming to play to our strengths.

Will there be any change in strategies ahead of the semifinal?
I don’t think so as we will continue to do what we have been doing. The preparations have been more intense though and we are preparing as per various situations that can crop up during the semifinals.

On batsmen not playing innovative shots
We have been trained to play copybook cricket shots for a long time, but this is the first time we have participated in a T20 tournament of this stature. Maybe in the coming years, with proper preparation, we will play more shots.

Since this is the first year, we are careful with the cricket we play, but from next year, hopefully, we will improve.

Aggressive hitting or pacing an innings?
I like to play aggressive shots early on in the innings, but if the team requires me to pace my innings, I will have to do it. It is not sensible to play aggressive shots and lose your wicket early on. You must be able to change the game-plan as per the circumstances.