Aravind: Zaheer, my source of strength
Sreenath Aravind, who emerged as the third highest wicket taker in IPL 2011 is upbeat about his team's fortunes in the NCL T20.
By Shashank Kishore
The tall and lanky Aravind, who picked up 21 wickets in 13 games for Royal Challengers Bangalore in IPL 4 is sure to have added responsibilities in the absence of pace spearhead Zaheer Khan. ESPNSTAR.com caught up with the 27-year-old for an exclusive chat in Bengaluru.
Shashank Kishore: You had a dream IPL season this year. How has the world changed since?
Sreenath Aravind: It is a great feeling. For starters the recognition the IPL has given me is unbelievable and with that comes responsibility. Now there is a certain standard which people expect me to live up to everytime I take the field, whether it's for RCB or Karnataka. IPL was a great learning experience, considering this was my first full season.
SK: How did the journey into cricket begin?
SA: Just like any other kid, I started playing with the tennis ball on the streets of Bangalore. It was only when I was 16-17 did I realize that this is what I loved doing. I was backed well by my family and enrolled myself in the Brijesh Patel Academy in Bangalore. From there on, I played in all regional tournaments and slowly worked my way up to the Ranji level. I was at the top of my game when the RCB call up came, and I'm glad to have done well. My employers State Bank of Mysore were also kind enough to give me all the support and encouragement required at the time, and all that has paid off now.
SK: Karnataka is up once again on the Indian radar. Suddenly we've seen three fast bowlers: you, Mithun and Vinay rise-up the ranks. What has led to the turn-around?
SA: It is clearly a case of healthy competition between us, no doubt. But then we have played a lot of cricket with each other to understand each other's strengths and weakness. They are my good mates and I wish them well. After Javagal Srinath and Venkatesh Prasad, I guess this is the first time there has been a crop of pace battery from Karnataka. The standard of cricket in the leagues is excellent and that has helped too. More than anything else, we are in this position mainly due to the hard work all three of us have put in.
SK: Tell us a bit about your experience with bowling alongside Zaheer Khan, how big a help has he been?
SA: Zak has been a big inspiration for me. I've been able to iron out a lot of technical flaws while bowling. He has helped me sort out the wrist position while delivering the ball. When Zaheer bowls with a pronounced seam, it is is any left-arm-pacer's dream and it was a dream playing alongside him- he has truly inspired me.
SK: We have seen you work with Venkatesh Prasad from close quarters. What are your strengths and weaknesses?
SA: Venky has been a mentor for me throughout my career. My association with him goes beyond RCB. He has been a stalwart of Karnataka cricket throughout the 1990s and he has been there for me all the time. His only advice to all upcoming seamers is stick to their strengths and become better at what you are, rather than experimenting. That comes at a later stage, but he has always emphasized on getting the basics right first.
SK: How was your experience, playing in the Karnataka Premiere League?
SA: Well, KPL has definitely helped me get better as a T20 bowler. It has helped take cricket to several districts in Karnataka, but having said that domestic tournaments like Ranji Trophy should be the biggest stage to showcase our talent before taking the next step.
SK: Are you happy with your preparation been leading upto the Nokia Champions League Twenty20?
SA: I suffered a mini setback when I couldn't tour Australia with the Emerging Team in July despite being picked, because of injury. But then I didn't let that affect me, injuries are a part and parcel of sport. I kept working hard in the gym and nets. Was happy with my rhythm in the BCCI Corporate Trophy where I picked up 7 wickets in 3 games for State Bank of Mysore. I'm confident about our chances in the NCL T20. Afterall we've qualified for the tournament 3 times in a row, so a lot of expectations are riding on us, and it's time we win it.
SK: What have you learnt with your stint with Ray Jennings?
SA: Ray is one of the finest motivators. His methodology and preparation for every game is an indication of his dedication, and we are fortunate to have him as coach. Anil Kumble has also worked a lot with us with the finetuning. So we have a terrific support staff to back us, including the team owners who've been the most supporting.
SK: Did you ever feel intimidated playing alongside superstars in the RCB line-up?
SA: AB de Villiers and Daniel Vettori were very appreciative of my efforts in the IPL. It is a great opportunity to play with guys like them and of course Chris Gayle and Tilakaratne Dilshan. Our IPL campaign was a whole lot of fun both on and off the field, courtesy these guys. I didn't for once feel out of place in the dressing room and I'm excited about the challenges that lie ahead. Hope we will deliver this time!
SK: What is your next realistic aim?
SA: My first aim is to do well in the NCL T20 and then use that momentum and form to my advantage in the upcoming Ranji Trophy season coming up. Karnataka have done well in the last two years, so the focus is to keep improving day by day.
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