I didn't know I created a record till I was told: Kona Srikar Bharat

Kona Srikar Bharat, Vizag's own lad who scored his maiden century during the Ranji league match against Hyderabad that was played in the city some time back, has now achieved something that many would only dream of.
He became the first Indian wicket-keeper batsman to score a triple century in the history of Ranji Trophy and if that's not enough, he even got picked up by the Delhi team for the upcoming cricketainment season.The ace glove man from Andhra spoke to Vizag Times about his journey after his maiden century.
MY HARD WORK PAID OFF WELL
The Ranji season of 2014-15 has been great for Bharat, as he seized every opportunity that's placed in front him, both with bat and gloves. "Ranji season has been really nice for me and I feel as if I'm on a dream run. After the good performance in Vizag against Hyderabad, I went on to play a good knock against Kerala at Vizianagaram. I continued to make contributions in the matches that followed. In the last league match against Goa at Ongole, I got a triple hundred. It was a crucial match for us to qualify for the quarters. We needed seven points, Goa won the toss and asked us to bat on a green top. On the first day, I scored 226 runs and the next day, I completed my triple century. I scored 308 runs in 311 balls with 38 fours and 6 sixes. But I didn't know that I was the first Indian wicket-keeper batsman to score a triple century in Ranji Trophy till a sports media group called me asking about this. I felt good that I created a record because all my hard work had paid off. Soon enough, my phone began buzzing and wouldn't stop."
ON A NEW FIELD
Being selected for the cash rick IPL is another feather in Bharat's cap. "Andhra Cricket Association backed me. Also, scoring almost a run a ball triple hundred helped me and I was picked up by the Delhi franchisee for base price. I was playing a match against Maharashtra at Lalhi in Haryana on that day and did not follow the auction, but on reaching my room, I got many calls breaking the news about my selection. After four-five days, I got a call from the officials of the Delhi team, welcoming me into the team. I am very happy and so are my parents and sister."
I AM A LITTLE AGGRESSIVE
Bharat travels all the way from Madhavadhara to ACA-VDCA Cricket stadium at PM Palem in the city to brush up his skills. "All through the season, whether we are playing a match or not, I kept hitting the nets on an everyday basis, even though I was playing well. I didn't take a break from practice, even when the matches were on. I kept brushing my techniques daily with my coach J Krishna Rao. We've been working together since 2004, he knows my game and guides me well in the practice. Right from the beginning, he kept telling me to keep my head cool and things will fall in place. I'm a little aggressive by nature, but his advice helped me in playing a long innings."
MD KAIF COMPARED ME TO SEHWAG!
"Our captain Md Kaif has shown great faith in me. He has told me I'm someone who can take the game away from the opposition. He always encourages me and even compared me to Virendra Sehwag. His words and advice has helped me improve my game. I become more confident every time I speak to him. Yes, he is a confidence booster."
I AM LOOKING TO LEARN MORE
Bharat, who will be rubbing shoulders with some of the top cricketers in the international cricket feels that nothing much is going to change when it comes to his lifestyle. "I don't think there will be a drastic change in lifestyle. I've tasted success being who I am and I don't think I should change it now. I'll keep doing what I'm known for, not being too fancy. On the other hand, I need to be conscious about whom to trust and whom not to. Playing under the likes of Yuvraj Singh, Zaheer Khan and JP Duminy, who have played a lot of international cricket, will be a great learning experience for me."