CHENNAI: The T20 format may be all about youth power, but Vidyut Sivaramakrishnan, chief coach of Madurai Super Giant, believes that experience will be the key for his team’s success. He is trying to get the combination right before the Tamil Nadu Premier League begins in a couple of days.
Madurai have experienced hands like KB Arun Karthik, S Suresh Kumar, P Amarnath, L Vignesh, Shijit Chandran. Upcoming youngsters like Shahrukh Khan, PS Sivaramakrishnan, D Prashanth Prabhu add value.
“T20 may be all about youth, but experience is very important. We have in our ranks guys who have played or been playing first-class cricket. Since this format is new to many youngsters, experience matters. T20 requires a different set of skills. One bad over can cost us a game. So picking the right combination is the key,” Vidyut told Express after a practice session at Chepauk.
Vidyut, who replaced Australian Michael Bevan as coach, is under pressure, but believes that he can handle it. “I would be lying if I say we are not under pressure. We did not play to potential last year and also replacing a coach like Bevan is not easy. So far we have been training well and are gelling as a unit. So I’m confident that we will do a good job,” added the former India under-19 player.
Nothing is certain in T20, but a good start always helps teams seize the initiative. “Powerplay is the key for a team’s success. If you get a good start it always helps to put pressure on the opponents,” said Arun Karthik. “So we are keen to begin well, try to win a couple of games and carry the momentum. We have prepared well and have a balanced side. Personally, I’m in good touch having got a big hundred in the last TNCA senior division league. I enjoyed spending time in the middle and now it is time to switch over mentally to the shorter format,” added the captain.
Bowling at the death is one of the areas that teams are found wanting in T20. “We have an experienced bunch of guys who can bowl well in the end overs. Amarnath is there, Vignesh and of course DT Chandrasekar. M Raja and leggie Muruganantham, who did well last time, will be the bowlers to watch,” said Vidyut, insisting that his team was ready for the battle.