Rohit executed the plan well: Malolan

The 19th over was the turning point of the match. The best part about the 19th over was we had a plan. We were able to execute every ball to perfection, which was very difficult. Rohit was able to do it (bowl according to plan) at will. When we said yorker, he was able to bowl one and when we said slower one, he could pull that off too at the right length. So that was something amazing and yes that changed the game. In the last four-five overs, you are bound to go at 10 runs per over. I was having a constant look at the required run rate and as soon as it showed nine, I was confident I could strangle them (Madurai team). But the belief was always there. 

Yes, we had scored a below par total, but I believed that it was enough and that it was a defendable total. We are going to surprise people as the tournament progresses with a lot of youngsters.

Like I said earlier, it is tough to replace a player of his calibre. I just asked each one to play their own game and didn’t put any pressure on the boys. The important thing for me is that VB Thiruvallur Veerans should play an aggressive brand of cricket and instil fear in the minds of the opposition. I am more than happy they delivered what I asked from them. 

I am obviously very happy, but I was also a little nervous. If I have got my first win as a captain, it is all credit to the boys — all the 19 players including Aparajith in Noida. He called me yesterday and asked, “Anna (Tamil for brother), what are you going to do, whom are we going to pick in the team etc.” He is contributing, even though he is not present physically. So right from the support staff to the owners, the encouragement has been amazing.