Why was Paul Pogba’s goal-scoring celebration seen in TNPL 2016?

Albert Tuti Patriots player Kaushik Gandhi spoke exclusively to the India Cements TN Premier League website after his match-winning 86 helped his team register a 33-run win over Madurai Super Giants at Chennai on Tuesday.

On his mindset during the knock
I wanted to be sure that we crossed the middle overs without losing wickets, and also score the required runs. I thought we were a bit slow, even today, but we luckily made it up in the end. That’s one area that we could look to work on before the knock-out stages. I’m happy that we got the rub of the green, as getting to 167, after being at 95 in 14 overs, is a big task. It doesn’t happen in every game.

Have you worked on anything in particular to improve your form?
I thought that the shots that I got out to were instinctive shots. Probably, these last two games, I consciously curbed my instincts a bit, played more sensibly in the middle, and tried not to hit the ball in the air. Even if it’s a good shot, you are still out. So, I consciously made an effort to be there till the end.

What are your thoughts on qualifying for the semifinals?
Our motto is to just take it day-by-day. Today, we are just going to celebrate, and tomorrow, probably have fun in the hotel. When the semi-finals come, we will look forward to it.

On your semifinal opponents, Dindigul Dragons
They have been doing well in the tournament and have been very consistent. Their openers have been giving them a solid platform, and it will be a good battle between our bowling and their batting, vice versa. I don’t know if R Ashwin is playing or not, but I think it will be a good battle. Dinesh (Karthik) and Abhi (Mukund) will be joining us, as I think it will be an even battle and a good game.

Will the return of Dinesh Karthik and Abhinav Mukund help?
I think DK and Abhi (Mukund) joining us will be a huge morale-booster, as they are world-class players. Both of them have won games for us and it allows the other players to go and express themselves, take pressure off their shoulders.

Did you feel added pressure of captaincy?
Yes, as I had a lot of things to think about, and probably I’m not experienced enough yet. I’m glad that Bala bhai took over, as he has done a good job. It actually released a weight off my shoulders as I was able to express myself freely. Also, I was having fun with the boy’s on-field and wouldn’t have been able to do all that if I was the skipper.

How has your overall experience been in the tournament?
For players like me, who haven’t had a taste of the IPL, playing under lights or in front of full crowds, it’s been a really good experience. I think our cricket is going up a notch, as we are also exposed to T20s. The quality, teams and performances that are coming up are really huge. Lots of people have started following this tournament and it’s definitely a big hit. I’m proud to be a part of this tournament. Kudos to the TNCA!

On your diving catch that dismissed Francis Rokins
Actually, I thought I should have taken the previous catch, as I have set really high standards for fielding. I was really upset that I couldn’t convert that catch, but it is okay since I luckily got this one. I’m a huge football buff – a Manchester United fan, and I imitated Paul Pogba’s goal-scoring celebration.

On the quality of the league
It (the league) definitely raises a player’s game. Personally, I never thought that I can build an innings like this in a T20 game. Given that I was branded as a four-day player, still this has been an eye-opener for me. Now I know that people like me with a Dravidesque game can also play and adapt to T20 so it’s a big experience for all of us.

And what’s next for Kaushik Gandhi!
I’m getting engaged! That’s what I’m looking forward to along with the play-offs. I just take each day as it comes.