Defending champions Albert TUTI Patriots coaches J Madanagopal, Gokulkrishnan, and star player Washington Sundar addressed the media about their preparations ahead of the second season of the India Cements Tamil Nadu Premier League.
How are the preparations going?
Gokulkrishnan: All the boys have been playing a lot of league matches. We are slowly getting into the groove and hoping that the boys will deliver. We are trying to recreate the environment from last season and we have a lot of confidence in the boys and hope they perform.
When you played in the TNPL last year, did you imagine you would get to play in the IPL?
Sundar: It feels good, to be honest. I never expected anything. I got to play in the IPL, the Ranji Trophy and the Vijay Hazare Trophy last season. I think I trust my preparations. If I prepare well enough, I know I can do well. The TNPL was exciting last year and I feel it will be more exciting this year.
What have you imbibed from the IPL?
Sundar: A lot of things! More than the learning experience, I got to share the dressing room with great leaders and they all shared their knowledge with me. I got an opportunity to play 11 games with players like MS Dhoni and Steve Smith.
Do you feel some pressure now, especially after doing well in the IPL?
Sundar: Honestly, there is no pressure at all. I did well and I know what it takes for me to do well. If I can repeat those things again in the matches, I know I can do better.
With the stars missing from your line-up, are you looking for a replacement?
J Madanagopal: We are not looking for a replacement for Abhinav Mukund. His absence means there is an opportunity for another younger player to step up. We thought about this even in the first edition and it is not something new for us. The team is prepared that Dinesh (Karthik) and Abhinav won’t be there. Some youngsters can step up and come into the limelight.
