<h2 class="sub-title">Former Sunrisers Hyderabad and Delhi Capitals player Hanuma Vihari believes that the Kings head into the season as the most balanced team</h2>
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<p>In an effort to revamp its bowling unit, Sunrisers Hyderabad splurged â¹10 crore to rope in Mohammad Shami, after parting ways with the likes of Bhuvneshwar Kumar, T. Natarajan and Washington Sundar. Having been sidelined for more than a year due to an ankle issue, Shami was declared fit at the end of 2024. He most recently was in action at the Champion Trophy, where he took nine wickets in 41 overs as India clinched the title.</p>
<p>Former SRH and Delhi Capitals player Hanuma Vihari, however, is sceptical about Shami’s fitness. In an interaction with the media, the JioHotstar expert also gave his thoughts on the contentious impact player rule, teams breaching the elusive 300-run mark, the pressure on young Nitish Kumar Reddy’s shoulders, and more. Excerpts below:</p>
<div class="article-interview">
<p class="question"><b>Q: We are heading into the 18th edition of the IPL. How much has T20 cricket changed from then to now?</b></p>
<p class="answer"><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///ywAAAAAAQABAAACAUwAOw==" fifu-lazy="1" fifu-data-sizes="auto" fifu-data-srcset="https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=75&resize=75&ssl=1 75w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=100&resize=100&ssl=1 100w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=150&resize=150&ssl=1 150w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=240&resize=240&ssl=1 240w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=320&resize=320&ssl=1 320w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=500&resize=500&ssl=1 500w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=640&resize=640&ssl=1 640w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=800&resize=800&ssl=1 800w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=1024&resize=1024&ssl=1 1024w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=1280&resize=1280&ssl=1 1280w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=1600&resize=1600&ssl=1 1600w" class="icon" fifu-data-src="https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg"><br />
									I think the T20 cricket overall – from what it was in 2013 to what it became in 2024 – has changed drastically. In 2013, there was a role for an anchor. There was a role for players who can grind it a little bit. You needed a batter to bat at No. 3 and No. 4 differently. But now, thanks in part to the impact player rule, the dynamics have changed. I think Sunrisers Hyderabad set the benchmark really high last year and the other teams followed that template. Credit to the captain, coach and everyone involved in the decision-making that went behind wanting to bat fearlessly, no matter what the result, no matter the outcome. I am sure they’ll continue the same way this season.
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<p class="question"><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///ywAAAAAAQABAAACAUwAOw==" fifu-lazy="1" fifu-data-sizes="auto" fifu-data-srcset="https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=75&resize=75&ssl=1 75w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=100&resize=100&ssl=1 100w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=150&resize=150&ssl=1 150w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=240&resize=240&ssl=1 240w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=320&resize=320&ssl=1 320w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=500&resize=500&ssl=1 500w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=640&resize=640&ssl=1 640w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=800&resize=800&ssl=1 800w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=1024&resize=1024&ssl=1 1024w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=1280&resize=1280&ssl=1 1280w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=1600&resize=1600&ssl=1 1600w" class="icon" fifu-data-src="https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg"><b>Is there a role for players who essay the anchor role in an innings?</b></p>
<p class="answer"><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///ywAAAAAAQABAAACAUwAOw==" fifu-lazy="1" fifu-data-sizes="auto" fifu-data-srcset="https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=75&resize=75&ssl=1 75w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=100&resize=100&ssl=1 100w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=150&resize=150&ssl=1 150w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=240&resize=240&ssl=1 240w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=320&resize=320&ssl=1 320w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=500&resize=500&ssl=1 500w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=640&resize=640&ssl=1 640w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=800&resize=800&ssl=1 800w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=1024&resize=1024&ssl=1 1024w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=1280&resize=1280&ssl=1 1280w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=1600&resize=1600&ssl=1 1600w" class="icon" fifu-data-src="https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg"><br />
									If you look at the set-up and the auction dynamics, it’s all about T20 specialists now. The age of the anchor is far gone. Even if the team is losing, they want to go hard, they want to go one step ahead of the bowling lineup. We’ve seen some interviews where Pat Cummins says even if they lose, they’ll go hard at the bowlers. That’s the mindset every team is carrying now. Unfortunately or fortunately, you can tell that the anchor role for the batters who want to grind it out has gone out of the window in the T20 format and it’s all about (hitting) fours and sixes right now.
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<p class="question"><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///ywAAAAAAQABAAACAUwAOw==" fifu-lazy="1" fifu-data-sizes="auto" fifu-data-srcset="https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=75&resize=75&ssl=1 75w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=100&resize=100&ssl=1 100w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=150&resize=150&ssl=1 150w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=240&resize=240&ssl=1 240w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=320&resize=320&ssl=1 320w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=500&resize=500&ssl=1 500w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=640&resize=640&ssl=1 640w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=800&resize=800&ssl=1 800w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=1024&resize=1024&ssl=1 1024w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=1280&resize=1280&ssl=1 1280w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=1600&resize=1600&ssl=1 1600w" class="icon" fifu-data-src="https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg"><b>The impact player rule will enter its third season of existence. Are you as conflicted about it as many seem to be? </b></p>
<p class="answer"><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///ywAAAAAAQABAAACAUwAOw==" fifu-lazy="1" fifu-data-sizes="auto" fifu-data-srcset="https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=75&resize=75&ssl=1 75w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=100&resize=100&ssl=1 100w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=150&resize=150&ssl=1 150w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=240&resize=240&ssl=1 240w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=320&resize=320&ssl=1 320w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=500&resize=500&ssl=1 500w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=640&resize=640&ssl=1 640w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=800&resize=800&ssl=1 800w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=1024&resize=1024&ssl=1 1024w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=1280&resize=1280&ssl=1 1280w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=1600&resize=1600&ssl=1 1600w" class="icon" fifu-data-src="https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg"><br />
									There are a lot of bowlers who will say that it’s not good for the tournament. I don’t think the batters would mind because an extra batter can come in. I think the impact player role will give more entertainment to the viewers, there will be a lot of high-scoring games. I don’t really mind the impact player’s role. Even from the bowler’s point of view, if you look at the mega auction, there are a lot of bowlers who’ve gone at a higher price and these are quality bowlers.
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<p>
										That is the whole thing about the impact player role, isn’t it? If you have quality, if you have the skill set, I think you can still survive with the extra batter coming in. There’s going to be a lot of demand for good bowlers. That’s going to be the theme going forward in the IPL. If you’re good, if you have the mystery ball or if you can execute yorkers well, if you have the skill to swing the new ball early on and pick wickets in the PowerPlay, you’re going to be in demand for a longer time in the IPL. So it’s an opportunity for the bowlers as well.
				</p>
<p class="question"><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///ywAAAAAAQABAAACAUwAOw==" fifu-lazy="1" fifu-data-sizes="auto" fifu-data-srcset="https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=75&resize=75&ssl=1 75w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=100&resize=100&ssl=1 100w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=150&resize=150&ssl=1 150w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=240&resize=240&ssl=1 240w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=320&resize=320&ssl=1 320w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=500&resize=500&ssl=1 500w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=640&resize=640&ssl=1 640w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=800&resize=800&ssl=1 800w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=1024&resize=1024&ssl=1 1024w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=1280&resize=1280&ssl=1 1280w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=1600&resize=1600&ssl=1 1600w" class="icon" fifu-data-src="https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg"><b> Has the impact player rule made life harder for spinners?</b> </p>
<p class="answer"><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///ywAAAAAAQABAAACAUwAOw==" fifu-lazy="1" fifu-data-sizes="auto" fifu-data-srcset="https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=75&resize=75&ssl=1 75w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=100&resize=100&ssl=1 100w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=150&resize=150&ssl=1 150w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=240&resize=240&ssl=1 240w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=320&resize=320&ssl=1 320w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=500&resize=500&ssl=1 500w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=640&resize=640&ssl=1 640w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=800&resize=800&ssl=1 800w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=1024&resize=1024&ssl=1 1024w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=1280&resize=1280&ssl=1 1280w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=1600&resize=1600&ssl=1 1600w" class="icon" fifu-data-src="https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg"><br />
									I’m sure it’s going to be a challenge for every bowler. Last year, the economy rates went up for every bowler. It’s going to be a really big challenge, not just for the spinners, for the fast bowlers as well. They’ve got to deal with it. I’m looking at some of the practice scores recently, it’s been above 200. Sometimes the intensity and the fear of getting out for batters is less. But the mindset while batting has not changed for T20 cricket, especially in the IPL where the wickets are really flat and you get a smallish ground. I’m sure every bowler will find it difficult. You need to have special skills and need to execute plans well. Fast bowlers or spinners, you need to have some variety. That’s why teams have preferred mystery spinners or wrist spinners over finger spinners.
				</p>
<p class="question"><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///ywAAAAAAQABAAACAUwAOw==" fifu-lazy="1" fifu-data-sizes="auto" fifu-data-srcset="https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=75&resize=75&ssl=1 75w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=100&resize=100&ssl=1 100w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=150&resize=150&ssl=1 150w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=240&resize=240&ssl=1 240w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=320&resize=320&ssl=1 320w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=500&resize=500&ssl=1 500w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=640&resize=640&ssl=1 640w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=800&resize=800&ssl=1 800w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=1024&resize=1024&ssl=1 1024w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=1280&resize=1280&ssl=1 1280w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=1600&resize=1600&ssl=1 1600w" class="icon" fifu-data-src="https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg"><b> Do you think the 300-run barrier will be breached?</b></p>
<p class="answer"><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///ywAAAAAAQABAAACAUwAOw==" fifu-lazy="1" fifu-data-sizes="auto" fifu-data-srcset="https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=75&resize=75&ssl=1 75w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=100&resize=100&ssl=1 100w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=150&resize=150&ssl=1 150w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=240&resize=240&ssl=1 240w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=320&resize=320&ssl=1 320w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=500&resize=500&ssl=1 500w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=640&resize=640&ssl=1 640w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=800&resize=800&ssl=1 800w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=1024&resize=1024&ssl=1 1024w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=1280&resize=1280&ssl=1 1280w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=1600&resize=1600&ssl=1 1600w" class="icon" fifu-data-src="https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg"><br />
									I think it’s going to be a big talking point whenever SRH is going to play this year, isn’t it? With the inclusion of players like Ishan Kishan, you never know. Last year, the openers gave a brilliant start for SRH. In a few games, we saw blistering knocks from Heinrich Klaasen too. We’ve seen Nitish (Kumar Reddy) also play a few crucial knocks. With Ishan coming in, nothing is impossible. On its day, batting first on a good wicket and on a smallish ground, I think 300 is possible for the team.
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<p class="question"><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///ywAAAAAAQABAAACAUwAOw==" fifu-lazy="1" fifu-data-sizes="auto" fifu-data-srcset="https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=75&resize=75&ssl=1 75w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=100&resize=100&ssl=1 100w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=150&resize=150&ssl=1 150w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=240&resize=240&ssl=1 240w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=320&resize=320&ssl=1 320w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=500&resize=500&ssl=1 500w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=640&resize=640&ssl=1 640w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=800&resize=800&ssl=1 800w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=1024&resize=1024&ssl=1 1024w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=1280&resize=1280&ssl=1 1280w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=1600&resize=1600&ssl=1 1600w" class="icon" fifu-data-src="https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg"><b>Why do you think T. Natarajan was let go by SRH?</b></p>
<p class="answer"><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///ywAAAAAAQABAAACAUwAOw==" fifu-lazy="1" fifu-data-sizes="auto" fifu-data-srcset="https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=75&resize=75&ssl=1 75w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=100&resize=100&ssl=1 100w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=150&resize=150&ssl=1 150w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=240&resize=240&ssl=1 240w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=320&resize=320&ssl=1 320w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=500&resize=500&ssl=1 500w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=640&resize=640&ssl=1 640w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=800&resize=800&ssl=1 800w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=1024&resize=1024&ssl=1 1024w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=1280&resize=1280&ssl=1 1280w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=1600&resize=1600&ssl=1 1600w" class="icon" fifu-data-src="https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg"><br />
									One aspect they might have considered is his fitness. If you see Natarajan’s track record in the last three or four years, he’s not played a full season. That’s the main reason why they must have let go of Natarajan. They’ve got Harshal Patel instead who has been bowling in the death overs. I think he is a like-for-like replacement. I know Natarajan liked to bowl more yorkers than slower ones or the cutters, but Harshal will depend more on cutters. I am keen to see how Harshal performs, especially in a home game in Hyderabad where the cutters don’t grip. That said, Natarajan is a big miss because he could bowl yorkers at will, which was very useful in Hyderabad’s conditions. However, Harshal’s experience definitely adds value to this side.
				</p>
<p class="question"><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///ywAAAAAAQABAAACAUwAOw==" fifu-lazy="1" fifu-data-sizes="auto" fifu-data-srcset="https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=75&resize=75&ssl=1 75w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=100&resize=100&ssl=1 100w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=150&resize=150&ssl=1 150w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=240&resize=240&ssl=1 240w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=320&resize=320&ssl=1 320w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=500&resize=500&ssl=1 500w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=640&resize=640&ssl=1 640w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=800&resize=800&ssl=1 800w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=1024&resize=1024&ssl=1 1024w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=1280&resize=1280&ssl=1 1280w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=1600&resize=1600&ssl=1 1600w" class="icon" fifu-data-src="https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg"><b>How do you see Mohammad Shami’s role in this Sunrisers side?</b></p>
<p class="answer"><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///ywAAAAAAQABAAACAUwAOw==" fifu-lazy="1" fifu-data-sizes="auto" fifu-data-srcset="https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=75&resize=75&ssl=1 75w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=100&resize=100&ssl=1 100w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=150&resize=150&ssl=1 150w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=240&resize=240&ssl=1 240w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=320&resize=320&ssl=1 320w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=500&resize=500&ssl=1 500w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=640&resize=640&ssl=1 640w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=800&resize=800&ssl=1 800w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=1024&resize=1024&ssl=1 1024w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=1280&resize=1280&ssl=1 1280w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=1600&resize=1600&ssl=1 1600w" class="icon" fifu-data-src="https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg"><br />
									If you compare Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Mohammad Shami, even with injury concerns, Bhuvi barely missed matches for SRH. He has been a consistent player for them in the last 10 years. I was really surprised when they let him go. They didn’t go all out for him in the auction as well. They have picked Shami instead because he can do a similar role in the PowerPlay but they both are different bowlers.</p>
<p>If you look at the form of Shami and the fitness in the Champions Trophy, I was not really convinced. He got a five-wicket haul, played the full tournament but they had time in between the matches. After the Pakistan match, they had an eight to 10-day gap before the New Zealand match, where he didn’t bowl too many overs. He had a day’s gap before the semifinal and final too, but he didn’t look at his 100 percent. He wasn’t looking in his best rhythm.</p>
<p>But even if he is at 70-80 percent, if he can deliver that kind of performance for Sunrisers Hyderabad, I think they will take it. That said, it’s hard to compare Bhuvaneshwar and Shami because they are totally different kinds of bowlers. But with the experience that Shami’s got, if he can sustain the full season, I think he can deliver for SRH.
				</p>
<p class="question"><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///ywAAAAAAQABAAACAUwAOw==" fifu-lazy="1" fifu-data-sizes="auto" fifu-data-srcset="https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=75&resize=75&ssl=1 75w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=100&resize=100&ssl=1 100w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=150&resize=150&ssl=1 150w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=240&resize=240&ssl=1 240w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=320&resize=320&ssl=1 320w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=500&resize=500&ssl=1 500w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=640&resize=640&ssl=1 640w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=800&resize=800&ssl=1 800w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=1024&resize=1024&ssl=1 1024w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=1280&resize=1280&ssl=1 1280w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=1600&resize=1600&ssl=1 1600w" class="icon" fifu-data-src="https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg"><b>Is SRH’s spin department looking a little weak? </b></p>
<p class="answer"><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///ywAAAAAAQABAAACAUwAOw==" fifu-lazy="1" fifu-data-sizes="auto" fifu-data-srcset="https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=75&resize=75&ssl=1 75w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=100&resize=100&ssl=1 100w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=150&resize=150&ssl=1 150w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=240&resize=240&ssl=1 240w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=320&resize=320&ssl=1 320w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=500&resize=500&ssl=1 500w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=640&resize=640&ssl=1 640w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=800&resize=800&ssl=1 800w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=1024&resize=1024&ssl=1 1024w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=1280&resize=1280&ssl=1 1280w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=1600&resize=1600&ssl=1 1600w" class="icon" fifu-data-src="https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg"><br />
									That is one area where they wanted to plug their gaps. Last year they really struggled with their spin department. Mayank Markandey did well in one or two games, but again, struggled. Even Sri Lankan spinner Vijayakanth Viyaskanth struggled a lot. Bringing in Adam Zampa and Rahul Chahar is important. Zampa should be the fourth foreigner alongside Travis Head, Cummins and Klaasen. I think it’s the Australian combo that forced the owners to take Zampa because they believe a lot in him. Cummins and Daniel Vettori know Zampa in and out and know. I will be surprised if Chahar and Zampa don’t play together, especially in a ground like Hyderabad. You need wrist spinners to come into play to curtain runs and to get wickets in the middle overs. 
				</p>
<p class="question"><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///ywAAAAAAQABAAACAUwAOw==" fifu-lazy="1" fifu-data-sizes="auto" fifu-data-srcset="https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=75&resize=75&ssl=1 75w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=100&resize=100&ssl=1 100w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=150&resize=150&ssl=1 150w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=240&resize=240&ssl=1 240w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=320&resize=320&ssl=1 320w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=500&resize=500&ssl=1 500w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=640&resize=640&ssl=1 640w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=800&resize=800&ssl=1 800w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=1024&resize=1024&ssl=1 1024w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=1280&resize=1280&ssl=1 1280w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=1600&resize=1600&ssl=1 1600w" class="icon" fifu-data-src="https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg"><b>How big is the injury threat facing SRH right now?</b></p>
<p class="answer"><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///ywAAAAAAQABAAACAUwAOw==" fifu-lazy="1" fifu-data-sizes="auto" fifu-data-srcset="https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=75&resize=75&ssl=1 75w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=100&resize=100&ssl=1 100w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=150&resize=150&ssl=1 150w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=240&resize=240&ssl=1 240w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=320&resize=320&ssl=1 320w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=500&resize=500&ssl=1 500w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=640&resize=640&ssl=1 640w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=800&resize=800&ssl=1 800w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=1024&resize=1024&ssl=1 1024w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=1280&resize=1280&ssl=1 1280w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=1600&resize=1600&ssl=1 1600w" class="icon" fifu-data-src="https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg"><br />
									Players like Shami, Cummins and Nitish (Kumar Reddy) are going to take time to settle in. It’ll be easier on players like Pat because he’s more experienced and can handle himself better. And he’s done it in the past as well. I’m keen to see how Nitish progresses from the first game. Because if he doesn’t get runs in the first couple of games, how is his confidence level going to be? He’s a very confident kid, I know about him. But to get that game time and full fitness, it’s going to take some time. I’m really interested to see how he’s going to react if he encounters failures in the first few games. But if he gets runs in the first few games, if he gets the tournament running, I don’t think there’ll be any problem for Nitish.
				</p>
<p class="question"><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///ywAAAAAAQABAAACAUwAOw==" fifu-lazy="1" fifu-data-sizes="auto" fifu-data-srcset="https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=75&resize=75&ssl=1 75w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=100&resize=100&ssl=1 100w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=150&resize=150&ssl=1 150w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=240&resize=240&ssl=1 240w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=320&resize=320&ssl=1 320w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=500&resize=500&ssl=1 500w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=640&resize=640&ssl=1 640w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=800&resize=800&ssl=1 800w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=1024&resize=1024&ssl=1 1024w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=1280&resize=1280&ssl=1 1280w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=1600&resize=1600&ssl=1 1600w" class="icon" fifu-data-src="https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg"><b>Is this season of the IPL going to be crucial for a player like Nitish Kumar Reddy to strengthen his bid to be in the Indian side? </b> </p>
<p class="answer"><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///ywAAAAAAQABAAACAUwAOw==" fifu-lazy="1" fifu-data-sizes="auto" fifu-data-srcset="https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=75&resize=75&ssl=1 75w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=100&resize=100&ssl=1 100w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=150&resize=150&ssl=1 150w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=240&resize=240&ssl=1 240w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=320&resize=320&ssl=1 320w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=500&resize=500&ssl=1 500w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=640&resize=640&ssl=1 640w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=800&resize=800&ssl=1 800w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=1024&resize=1024&ssl=1 1024w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=1280&resize=1280&ssl=1 1280w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=1600&resize=1600&ssl=1 1600w" class="icon" fifu-data-src="https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg"><br />
									For him to have that season last year, I wouldn’t say it was easy. But the expectations from him were far less last year than what it’s going to be this year, isn’t it? Last year, he was an unknown commodity to the franchise or even in world cricket. But now, he’s got a Test century and international experience. He’s been player of the match a couple of times in T20 cricket. So, the expectations from him, even from SRH, is going to be massive. He’s slated to come in at No. 4 and with that price tag (retained for â¹6 crore), having that baggage, it is going to be huge for the 21-year-old. I am sure he’s going to show the same calmness and composure he showed in Melbourne against the Australian attack.
				</p>
<p>
										A challenge for him is fitness. How fit he is coming into this tournament will also impact his form. Sometimes, cricket not being played back-to-back and not playing enough matches may lead to players taking longer to get into the groove and start performing. If he performs this year, I don’t think anyone’s stopping him for the next 10 years, at least in franchise cricket
				</p>
<p class="question"><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///ywAAAAAAQABAAACAUwAOw==" fifu-lazy="1" fifu-data-sizes="auto" fifu-data-srcset="https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=75&resize=75&ssl=1 75w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=100&resize=100&ssl=1 100w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=150&resize=150&ssl=1 150w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=240&resize=240&ssl=1 240w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=320&resize=320&ssl=1 320w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=500&resize=500&ssl=1 500w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=640&resize=640&ssl=1 640w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=800&resize=800&ssl=1 800w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=1024&resize=1024&ssl=1 1024w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=1280&resize=1280&ssl=1 1280w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=1600&resize=1600&ssl=1 1600w" class="icon" fifu-data-src="https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg"><b>Which is an opening pair that excites you?</b></p>
<p class="answer"><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///ywAAAAAAQABAAACAUwAOw==" fifu-lazy="1" fifu-data-sizes="auto" fifu-data-srcset="https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=75&resize=75&ssl=1 75w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=100&resize=100&ssl=1 100w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=150&resize=150&ssl=1 150w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=240&resize=240&ssl=1 240w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=320&resize=320&ssl=1 320w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=500&resize=500&ssl=1 500w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=640&resize=640&ssl=1 640w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=800&resize=800&ssl=1 800w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=1024&resize=1024&ssl=1 1024w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=1280&resize=1280&ssl=1 1280w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=1600&resize=1600&ssl=1 1600w" class="icon" fifu-data-src="https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg"><br />
									 If you look at strike rates, obviously, you can’t think beyond Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma with what they did last year. But if you look at consistency, I am really excited for the Shubman Gill and Jos Buttler duo at Gujarat Titans. They are both quality white ball players. One is very experienced although he is not in such great form. We know what Shubman’s exploits have been in white ball cricket and the IPL. So this opening pair for Gujarat Titans will be a treat for the eyes.
				</p>
<p class="question"><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///ywAAAAAAQABAAACAUwAOw==" fifu-lazy="1" fifu-data-sizes="auto" fifu-data-srcset="https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=75&resize=75&ssl=1 75w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=100&resize=100&ssl=1 100w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=150&resize=150&ssl=1 150w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=240&resize=240&ssl=1 240w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=320&resize=320&ssl=1 320w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=500&resize=500&ssl=1 500w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=640&resize=640&ssl=1 640w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=800&resize=800&ssl=1 800w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=1024&resize=1024&ssl=1 1024w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=1280&resize=1280&ssl=1 1280w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=1600&resize=1600&ssl=1 1600w" class="icon" fifu-data-src="https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg"><b> Looking at Delhi Capitals, Faf du Plessis has been named vice-captain and Axar Patel has been given captaincy duties. Where does that put K.L. Rahul in the batting lineup?</b></p>
<p class="answer"><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///ywAAAAAAQABAAACAUwAOw==" fifu-lazy="1" fifu-data-sizes="auto" fifu-data-srcset="https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=75&resize=75&ssl=1 75w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=100&resize=100&ssl=1 100w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=150&resize=150&ssl=1 150w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=240&resize=240&ssl=1 240w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=320&resize=320&ssl=1 320w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=500&resize=500&ssl=1 500w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=640&resize=640&ssl=1 640w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=800&resize=800&ssl=1 800w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=1024&resize=1024&ssl=1 1024w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=1280&resize=1280&ssl=1 1280w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=1600&resize=1600&ssl=1 1600w" class="icon" fifu-data-src="https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg"><br />
									With Faf being named vice captain, he’s a sure-shot name in the eleven. Delhi has quality overseas players. They have Tristan Stubbs who did really well last year, he’s a certainty too. Faf has done well while opening in the IPL. With regard to Rahul, I personally think he should open the batting for DC, because he can give you 600 runs in a good season. In a bad season, that number is above 400. That’s his quality. He’ll be hungry for runs being out of India’s T20I squad. I know people are talking about his strike rate over the past couple of years, but last year he showed intent where he scored a higher rate in the PowerPlay. 
				</p>
<p>
										Recently, in the Champions Trophy, coming in at No. 6, he whipped out his shots from ball one. I am sure he’s in a better frame of mind opening the batting and leading that line-up. Also, he’s got a point to prove, isn’t it? Bringing him in at No. 4 and 5 won’t make sense. 
				</p>
<p class="question"><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///ywAAAAAAQABAAACAUwAOw==" fifu-lazy="1" fifu-data-sizes="auto" fifu-data-srcset="https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=75&resize=75&ssl=1 75w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=100&resize=100&ssl=1 100w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=150&resize=150&ssl=1 150w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=240&resize=240&ssl=1 240w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=320&resize=320&ssl=1 320w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=500&resize=500&ssl=1 500w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=640&resize=640&ssl=1 640w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=800&resize=800&ssl=1 800w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=1024&resize=1024&ssl=1 1024w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=1280&resize=1280&ssl=1 1280w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=1600&resize=1600&ssl=1 1600w" class="icon" fifu-data-src="https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg"><b>Which team according to you is most balanced this season?</b></p>
<p class="answer"><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///ywAAAAAAQABAAACAUwAOw==" fifu-lazy="1" fifu-data-sizes="auto" fifu-data-srcset="https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=75&resize=75&ssl=1 75w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=100&resize=100&ssl=1 100w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=150&resize=150&ssl=1 150w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=240&resize=240&ssl=1 240w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=320&resize=320&ssl=1 320w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=500&resize=500&ssl=1 500w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=640&resize=640&ssl=1 640w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=800&resize=800&ssl=1 800w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=1024&resize=1024&ssl=1 1024w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=1280&resize=1280&ssl=1 1280w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=1600&resize=1600&ssl=1 1600w" class="icon" fifu-data-src="https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg"><br />
									Punjab Kings looks very solid and it has a good captain in Shreyas Iyer, who was the winning captain last year for Kolkata Knight Riders. This time, they’ve got Ricky Ponting who is a straightforward coach, I’ve worked under him at DC. The team – they have Josh Inglis, Glenn Maxwell among others – has excellent white ball players. Maxwell, on his day, can turn a game around, so can Marcus Stoinis. They’ve also got Yuzvinder Chahal and have brought back Arshdeep Singh. The Kings look formidable and can upset any team. Punjab Kings is the team to look forward to this year at the start of the season.
				</p>
</div>
<div class="fact-box">
<h5 class="main-title">
Early playoff contender predictions<br />
</h5>
<div class="fact-element">
Punjab Kings looks strong. I think they will be a dark horse in the tournament. If I don’t pick a local team, Telugu fans will get upset. So, Sunrisers Hyderabad. The team this time looks better than it did last year. Last year, no one expected Kolkata Knight Riders to win. Everyone thought it was going to be Chennai Super Kings or Mumbai Indians. I’ll go with Punjab and Hyderabad for early picks. Along with these two, I’ll pick KKR and CSK.
</div>
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<div class="article-interview">
<p class="question"><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///ywAAAAAAQABAAACAUwAOw==" fifu-lazy="1" fifu-data-sizes="auto" fifu-data-srcset="https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=75&resize=75&ssl=1 75w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=100&resize=100&ssl=1 100w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=150&resize=150&ssl=1 150w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=240&resize=240&ssl=1 240w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=320&resize=320&ssl=1 320w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=500&resize=500&ssl=1 500w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=640&resize=640&ssl=1 640w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=800&resize=800&ssl=1 800w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=1024&resize=1024&ssl=1 1024w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=1280&resize=1280&ssl=1 1280w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=1600&resize=1600&ssl=1 1600w" class="icon" fifu-data-src="https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg"><b>Why has Mumbai Indians not made your playoff shortlist? </b></p>
<p class="answer"><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///ywAAAAAAQABAAACAUwAOw==" fifu-lazy="1" fifu-data-sizes="auto" fifu-data-srcset="https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=75&resize=75&ssl=1 75w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=100&resize=100&ssl=1 100w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=150&resize=150&ssl=1 150w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=240&resize=240&ssl=1 240w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=320&resize=320&ssl=1 320w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=500&resize=500&ssl=1 500w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=640&resize=640&ssl=1 640w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=800&resize=800&ssl=1 800w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=1024&resize=1024&ssl=1 1024w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=1280&resize=1280&ssl=1 1280w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=1600&resize=1600&ssl=1 1600w" class="icon" fifu-data-src="https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg"><br />
									MI has perhaps been the best bowling lineup among all teams, but I feel they are lacking in the spin department this time. With the injury of Allah Ghazanfar – who I thought was a very good pick – I feel their spin department is slightly weak. I know they’ve got a solid batting attack. Even the fast bowling lineup looks solid &#8211; Deepak Chahar, Trent Boult and Jasprit Bumrah. It’s a solid new ball attack, alongside Hardik Pandya, obviously. But the spin department looks weak to me. That’s the reason why I left Mumbai Indians out of the top four. It’s going to be really tight. If they play to their strengths and play well on their day, they can beat any side.
				</p>
<p class="question"><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///ywAAAAAAQABAAACAUwAOw==" fifu-lazy="1" fifu-data-sizes="auto" fifu-data-srcset="https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=75&resize=75&ssl=1 75w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=100&resize=100&ssl=1 100w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=150&resize=150&ssl=1 150w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=240&resize=240&ssl=1 240w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=320&resize=320&ssl=1 320w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=500&resize=500&ssl=1 500w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=640&resize=640&ssl=1 640w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=800&resize=800&ssl=1 800w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=1024&resize=1024&ssl=1 1024w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=1280&resize=1280&ssl=1 1280w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg?w=1600&resize=1600&ssl=1 1600w" class="icon" fifu-data-src="https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-quest-icon.svg"><b>Again, we’re seeing generation old go up against generation gold. Who do you think will emerge triumphant? </b></p>
<p class="answer"><img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///ywAAAAAAQABAAACAUwAOw==" fifu-lazy="1" fifu-data-sizes="auto" fifu-data-srcset="https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=75&resize=75&ssl=1 75w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=100&resize=100&ssl=1 100w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=150&resize=150&ssl=1 150w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=240&resize=240&ssl=1 240w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=320&resize=320&ssl=1 320w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=500&resize=500&ssl=1 500w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=640&resize=640&ssl=1 640w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=800&resize=800&ssl=1 800w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=1024&resize=1024&ssl=1 1024w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=1280&resize=1280&ssl=1 1280w, https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg?w=1600&resize=1600&ssl=1 1600w" class="icon" fifu-data-src="https://www.thehindu.com/theme/images/th-online/interview-ansr-icon.svg"><br />
									All three of them – Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, MS Dhoni – they’ve looked in prime form. I also saw some clips of MS Dhoni hitting it in the nets. He doesn’t look like a 43-year-old and he’s running like a beast. All of them are in good shape and are giving a good fight to the youngsters.
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