We adapt to the wicket, opposition and situation, says Dragons skipper Siva

Dindigul Dragons skipper Subramaniya Siva addressed the media after his team’s 16-run loss in their India Cements TN Premier League game against Lyca Kovai Kings at the India Cements Limited Ground at Sankarnagar, Tirunelveli, on Tuesday. Excerpts from the transcript:

Was the run-chase a bit slow?

Firstly, we wanted to give the youngsters a chance because the team management wants to promote them. We are very happy with the way Adithya Arun and M Silambarasan bowled. Even Yazh Arun Mozhi, who is just crossing 16, chipped in well and replicated his previous game’s performance.

Also, Silambarasan bowled superbly on such a difficult wicket against the in-form Anirudh Sitaram. On to the batting, and we didn’t expect such a slow start, but then that is alright as it is a learning process. But we were 15 runs short of the total and we will try to take the positives from this match.

Is a ‘spin-based’ attack an advantage?

I won’t call it ‘spin-based’ as it depends on how we adjust to the situation, the opponents, and the pitch conditions. We decide our playing XI based on those things. It is not that we are dependent only on our spin-attack because we make changes according to the conditions.

What was the reason behind the batting collapse during the end-overs?

It happens. When the (required) run-rate is really high, we will have to take a chance against the bowler. Sometimes it goes the bowler’s way and sometimes it works for the batsman. It is all about the execution of the plan, which bowler to pick and not, that adds to the beauty of the game.

Why was Wilkins Victor sent down the order?

There was no particular reason. Since we didn’t get a good start, we needed to accelerate the score in the middle-order. Eight overs down, we were 31 odd for one, so to accelerate the score, we changed the batting order.

Do you think you were complacent given that the team has already reached the semifinals?

Definitely not! Our only aim was to give a chance to the youngsters, and even while picking the team (during the drafts), we roped in a lot of young players. We couldn’t give a chance to Shyam Sundar (as he is just reaching 16). Our management’s only goal is to promote a lot of young talent. So, we were very happy, and we did that.