It will grow into a strong rivalry. Initially, more than supporting a city, spectators will support their favourite players.
VVS Laxman says India are on their way to be the No. 1 team in the Test & ODIs
Will city-based rivalries of the T20 leagues click?
It will grow into a strong rivalry. Initially, more than supporting a city, spectators will support their favourite players. In the first year, it will be an individual fan base rather than a city fan base. Eventually, there will be a lot of feeling for the city team and the place the team belongs to.
Where do you see these leagues in the future?
I believe that the IPL is one of the finest tournaments, especially from the entertainment point of view. When one-day cricket was introduced and also when the Kerry Packer World Series happened, it was more of an entertainment.
Is there a fear that quick money in IPL will affect the work ethic of youngsters?
I am not convinced that the money will affect the work ethic of a player. The more opportunities a young cricketer gets the better it is. At the end of the day, it is performance that counts. If a cricketer does not perform; whether for IPL or the National team, then no one will want him in the squad.
In less than a month you will be leading a T20 side?
I have played a couple of T20 games against Leicestershire and Sussex and actually hit half-centuries in both matches. I really enjoyed the format. This is great opportunity for me to test myself in the T20 format.
You have hit only eight sixes in international cricket…
Everybody has a specific role in a T20 team. And by the way someone has to anchor the innings (laughs). Obviously, you have to get runs at a quick pace in T20 cricket. I will wait and see how to go about my batting.
You have Andrew Symonds, who is not popular in India, in your side.
The decision to go for Symonds is purely based on his cricketing skills and the value he brings to the side. He is a great competitor and a great asset. What happened in Australia was unfortunate. I am hoping that the spectators would love to see him play and appreciate his cricket. I have no doubt that he will perform for the Deccan Chronicle team.
What were India's gains from the Australia tour?
We are now on our way to becoming No.1 team in Test matches as well as in one-day cricket. The way MS Dhoni and his team outplayed the Aussies in the finals of CB Series was great. It showed that the future of Indian cricket is in right hands. It was unfortunate that we didn't do well in the World Cup. But the way we came back after the Caribbean World Cup was impressive.
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