‘Team looks well balanced’
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After going through a title drought from 2004 to 2011 Globe Trotters (MRF) have adequately addressed that issue in the last two seasons.
The side has turned out a good show in both formats and if not for the toss going against them the Palyampatti Shield could have well been defended.
Sriram, who is in his 18th season with Trotters, was hopeful of continuing the good show in the ensuing season.
The team has been doing pretty well and how have the preparations gone for the forthcoming season?
A: Is the last season over? (laughs), it has been going well for a while now. The boys have responded well to various situations and as a captain I could not have asked for more. We will approach the season with the same enthusiasm and hope to play tight cricket through the entire season.
Trotters have lost a few players who played a pivotal role last season, how do you look at that?
A: In my opinion no one is irreplaceable. We have drafted in S. Dinesh from Indian Bank who looks compact and not much different from S. Anand in technique.
RD Ashwin has come in as replacement for PK Dharma. From what I saw last of Ashwin he has added good upper body strength and looks a few yards quicker.
He is also a more than handy batsman, which puts him in the genuine all-rounder category. I am happy with the overall composition of the side.
How difficult has it been for the players to recuperate after a long season and little break?
A: We are professionals and there is no place for complaints. The schedule is the same for all teams and so are the conditions. One more week of rest would have been great but we are fit and eager to have a go.
Trotters' strength has been pace don't you think it gets a bit one-dimensional at times?
A: I would like to differ. Our batsmen have stood up to be counted. The speedsters have been our obvious strength and will continue to do so.
Sunny Gupta as the lead spinner has done a commendable job, all the departments have done well.
Not many players in the state have struck to the same club for this long; Have you ever considered playing for another team?
A: I started playing for MRF as a schoolboy and they have helped me immensely. Stalwarts like WV Raman, TA Sekar, M. Senthil-nathan (current coach) and the late N. Gautam have all played important roles in shaping my career.
Barring the two season with ICL and another with DY Patil (Mumbai) in the last 21 seasons, I have enjoyed turning out for MRF and I have never felt the need to look at another club in the senior division league.
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