Dipika is quite clued into cricket now: Dinesh

Dinesh Karthik is on cloud nine, and why not, for he has steered his team, Tuti Patriots to a stellar win in the finals of the first edition of the Tamil Nadu Premier League (TNPL). But he is also quick to add that this is just the start and what is important is to maintain the momentum for him to be back in the Indian squad soon. Excerpts from a quick chat with him...
How does it feel to have won the first edition of TNPL?
It’s been a great tournament and I am extremely happy that I could play the league and also be a part of the winning team.As for winning, all the credit goes to the young talents we had in the team. The support staff was also really encouraging and they never put pressure on the boys anytime during the tournament. That made the boys really comfortable about playing in their own styles. And once we started winning a few games and gained momentum, we never slipped back.
What was it that really worked well for you in the finals?
For the finals, our strategy was to cover the stumps and get closer to the ball rather than playing shots away from the ball. The boys executed the plan well and we put up a mammoth score.
Your chances of being back in the Indian squad, considering your performances in the domestic cricket in the recent past...
It’s just the start of the season and it is really important that I try and do my best. I’ve already started off well with my performances in the Duleep Trophy and TNPL. Now, what is important is to maintain this momentum and I should be back in the squad soon, hopefully.
How do you think this league would help develop Tamil Nadu cricket?
The league was on par with any other competitive cricket. It was great to find a few promising talents who stood out and played really well under pressure. And this will give the selectors a border idea about the new players from Tamil Nadu for ODI and T20 teams.
What next for you?
Next is Ranji Trophy for me and the camp is starting on September 25 in Dehradun.
Did you manage to interact with any foreign ex-cricketers who were here as part of the league?
Of course, I met all of them, including, Matthew Hayden, Allan Border, Brett Lee... I have played a lot against Hayden and Brett Lee. This time, it was great to know them on a personal level.
Dipika has said that she doesn’t follow cricket much and watches only your matches...
She is quite clued into cricket now. In fact, she was there for the TNPL finals on Sunday. Apart from my matches, she also follows matches played by my close friends.