Expect more IPL talents this year: Siva

Speaking to DTNext on the sidelines of a TNPL promotional event, Siva said T20 cricket brings the best in the character of a player. “Confidence builds character. This format of the game is bound to bring the character out. A player needs to have the self-belief to keep fighting. In this format, the pressure is instant. Two dot balls or a boundary off the first ball when the asking rate is almost 10 an over, can put a player under instant pressure. How a player reacts to pressure, over a period time, becomes his second nature and that will help him handle situations in a matured manner,” he said. 

The player-turned commentator said he was impressed by the way how the TNPL had set a benchmark in the domestic scene in the country. “When around five players from TNPL found opportunities in various IPL teams last year, the job was half done. It is commendable that TNPL has set the bench mark. We will see more of talent scouts from IPL gracing this year’s edition. And now with the return of Chennai Super Kings, the TNPL offers a bigger platform to players to perform and ultimately play for CSK,” Siva explained.

Talking about some players who caught his eye, Siva said, “Kaushik Gandhi was one such example. He had his flashes of brilliance with 30s and 40s and after the TNPL, he carried on the form to the four-day format as well and was successful in the domestic season. We saw how left-arm spinner Sai Kishore bowled at any stage of the tournament. Then there was man-ofthe-tournament N Jagadeesan, who was very consistent. And not to forget the likes of Washington Sundar and T Natarajan, who bagged IPL contracts.” 

The TNPL governing council member said the league is better prepared than last year. “Last year, everything was done with a time constraint. While Natham offered one of the best sporting wickets, Tirunelveli didn’t have a good outfield. There were patches of sand that prevented the fielders from throwing themselves and giving their best. We have redone the outfield and it resembles a new one now,” he added.