Q: How has been the IPL 3 experience? A: It has been a thrilling experience, more so to be a part of such a talented squad. It’s been a great learning experience to play alongside some of the big names in cricket...playing under such challenging situations brought out the best in me and also allowed me to better my game.

Q: How did you prepare for this big competition?
A: This format of the game requires vigorous training both physically and mentally. Chennai Super Kings provided us with an adequate training schedule, which included a programme to better ourselves individually as well as a team. Playing in the GPL T20 competition was also a good preliminary test. Before leaving for the IPL, I also trained on my own with the help of some of my Goan team-mates at Goa Cricket Association Academy.
Q: Do you think that T20 is more of a batter’s or a bowler’s game?
A: Well of course T20 is more of a batter’s game but I also believe that bowlers have their own role to play in winning the matches.
Q: Being a spinner, how difficult is it to bowl in the T20s?
A: As a spinner it is very challenging to bowl economically on wickets which are mostly batsman friendly. T20 is basically an entertaining format where fans come to see the batsmen hitting sixes and fours. As a spinner it’s very important to assess the wicket quickly and read the batsman and bowl accordingly. Since the margin of error in T20 is very less, experimentation and variations need to be done intelligently.
Q: What’s your main strength as a spinner?
A: My main strength as a spinner lies in believing in my abilities. I just like to keep it simple and stick to basics and most importantly I try to give 100 percent and enjoy my bowling.
Q: It’s said that to do well as a spinner, one needs to have a good captain to back him up? How is Dhoni as a captain?
A: I am very fortunate to have Dhoni as my captain. His presence behind the stumps brings out the best in me. He gives us a lot of confidence to bowl without putting any pressure and also he is very flexible in giving whatever field placements we require while bowling.
Q: Did you learn any tricks from the great Muralitharan?
A: Murali Sir has been very helpful. In the nets and bowlers meetings he has always helped me and Ashwin with good bowling tips. He brings a lot of experience to the side and any advice by him is always valuable. In spite of being a great spinner and the highest wicket taker in Tests, he was never too proud to take advice and learn from us as well.
Q: Did you have any special plans for the likes of Sachin and Pollard in the IPL final?
A: As a bowling unit, we have plans for each batsman, but planning for batsman of Sachin’s caliber when in form is very difficult. Sachin and Pollard both were in great form. My plan was to bowl to my strength, focus on dot balls and then let the batsman make mistakes.
Q: You got rid of Sachin Tendulkar in the finals. How was the feeling?
A: Taking his wicket in the final put me on cloud nine. More importantly the wicket came at a crucial time when Sachin was looking very dangerous. His wicket opened up the game for us.
Q: Who is your best mate in the CSK squad?
A: It’s difficult to pick one team-mate as favourite. But Dhoni, Raina, Tyagi, Goni and myself have spent lot of time chilling out in Dhoni’s room. Haydos also used to join us sometimes.
Q: You have been quite consistent in the last 2 IPL seasons. Do you fancy your chances of making it to India’s T20 squad in near future?
A: I always believe that if you give your best, the best will come back to you. My job is to just keep performing and be consistent and hopefully the hard work will
pay off.