‘IPL brought me into the limelight’

David Warner owes his career to the Indian Premier League (IPL). The southpaw burst on to the international cricket after a successful stint with Delhi Daredevils even before he had played first-class cricket in Australia. In India as part of a New South Wales side for the Champions League T20, he tells DNA that he wants to use the tournament to work his way back into Australia side. Excerpts from an interview:

How do you feel playing for New South Wales and not Delhi Daredevils in the Champions League?
New South Wales is my home side. However, it will be good to play against the Delhi players, with whom I have shared the dressing room. I am looking forward to facing their bowlers, though I don’t intend to target anyone in particular.

Your team is considered one of the favourites in this tournament. What do you think are your team’s prospects?
We have a great young side here. It is not going to be easy for our boys to try and qualify for the next round, but then that stands true for most sides because not a lot many of them would have played in India before.

How important is the Champions League as a tournament considering it has domestic players playing international cricket?
There are a lot of international cricketers and also several young ones who have done well at the final level of domestic cricket, so it is important for them. It is another step for them and they can learn a lot from this tournament.

How do you aim to bring your IPL experience into use here?
I think T20 is about learning how to leverage your form. You have to do what you know best. If it is your day, you have to go out and win the match for your side.

You have been considering using a double-faced bat for some time. When do you plan to use it?
I am not sure whether I will use it here, but this domestic season, I am definitely going to try it. So you can expect some excitement from me in the coming days.

You had practised for the second season of IPL by batting on tracks on which the ball kept low, but the tournament was shifted to South Africa. Do you think that will be of help now?
I am not too sure. I have been playing in recent months on pitches offering bounce. So it does not really help.

How important was it being picked by Daredevils when you were yet to play first-class cricket for your country?
It was very important because I was suddenly playing with top international cricketers and that boosted my confidence. It brought me into the limelight and I got the opportunity to play T20 for Australia straight away. I am hoping I get runs in the Champions League this time and work my way back for ODIs.