Semi-finals will be an even battle, says Kaushik Gandhi

The opener spoke to the TNPL website on a variety of topics. 

I wanted to be sure that we crossed the middle overs without losing wickets, and also score the required runs. I thought we were a bit slow, even today, but we luckily made it up in the end. That’s one area that we could look to work on before the knock-out stages. I’m happy that we got the rub of the green, as getting to 167, after being at 95 in 14 overs, is a big task. It doesn’t happen in every game.

I thought that the shots that I got out to were instinctive shots. Probably, these last two games, I consciously curbed my instincts a bit, played more sensibly in the middle, and tried not to hit the ball in the air. Even if it’s a good shot, you are still out. So, I consciously made an effort to be there till the end.

Our motto is to just take it day-by-day. Today, we are just going to celebrate, and tomorrow, probably have fun in the hotel. When the semi-finals come, we will look forward to it.

They have been doing well in the tournament and have been very consistent. Their openers have been giving them a solid platform, and it will be a good battle between our bowling and their batting, vice versa. I don’t know if R Ashwin is playing or not, but I think it will be a good battle. Dinesh (Karthik) and Abhi (Mukund) will be joining us, as I think it will be an even battle and a good game.

I think DK and Abhi (Mukund) joining us will be a huge morale-booster, as they are world-class players. Both of them have won games for us and it allows the other players to go and express themselves, take pressure off their shoulders.

Yes, as I had a lot of things to think about, and probably I’m not experienced enough yet. I’m glad that Bala bhai took over, as he has done a good job. It actually released a weight off my shoulders as I was able to express myself freely. Also, I was having fun with the boy’s on-field and wouldn’t have been able to do all that if I was the skipper.

I’m getting engaged! That’s what I’m looking forward to along with the play-offs. I just take each day as it comes.