One in every of Andhra’s senior most cricketers and constant performers in Ranji Trophy, 32-year-old D.B. Prasanth Kumar feels that Andhra Premier League (APL) T-20 championship, is a superb alternative for the younger expertise for the sort of publicity and alternative it supplies to play with senior cricketers.
In an unique chat with Sportstar, Prasanth, who performed 74 first-class matches scoring 3909 runs together with 9 centuries having made his debut in 2011 and now taking part in for Rayalaseema Kings within the APL, shares his ideas on the League, Andhra cricket and the longer term.
Q: How do you take a look at the APL? How essential is it for the State gamers?
APL has been a beautiful platform. It’s undoubtedly a terrific alternative for the kids as a result of they get an opportunity to play with the seniors within the state. They get the publicity to play beneath the lights or to play the white ball. Most 19-23 12 months outdated guys get the chance to play with the seniors the place the matches are additionally being telecasted reside. Their expertise will likely be seen and certainly get recognised.
Q: You are feeling the timing of the league forward of the season is ideal?
In my view, the timing of the league is sweet. They’ve been organising this league for the final two years and that is the third season. They’ve been planning it properly. I additionally really feel that if it occurs earlier than the IPL auctions too, will probably be a terrific alternative for a lot of younger native gamers. As a result of if some gamers carry out properly they usually get observed within the public sale, they may be picked within the IPL too.
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Q: Do you imagine that the APL can also be the perfect platform for younger expertise? And is there a worry that the younger expertise may additionally get carried away by the slam bang strategy which could deter their prospects within the longer model?
Sure. APL is one such league which has been selling younger expertise. Children who’re getting this chance ought to make the perfect use of it. Cricket has advanced a lot in the previous couple of years. I really feel that younger aspirant gamers ought to have the ability to adapt to all of the codecs of the sport. It’s not that they need to all the time go together with the slam bang strategy. They need to adapt to each format. Consistency is the important thing. Gamers who be taught to do that may have a shiny future.
Q: What are your strategies to make it extra fashionable and engaging?
ACA (Andhra Cricket Affiliation), APL, and particular person franchises all have come collectively and been selling this league. As they proceed to do that, in a matter of time, the league will develop into extra fashionable and engaging. We have already got a number of assist for every group from their areas. I additionally really feel cricket lovers, if they arrive and watch us straight within the floor, that will likely be very encouraging to gamers and the groups. It’s going to encourage us higher once we play earlier than a number of crowds.
Q: Do you imagine if different States gamers enter the league, it would deny the possibilities for the native expertise?
If gamers from different states come to play together with our gamers, it would undoubtedly give them good expertise and publicity. Nevertheless, I assume the league has sure guidelines during which solely native state gamers are allowed to play. That is good as when native leagues assist native expertise, we’ll get that visibility, recognition and push.
Q: How do you fee the taking part in circumstances? Do you assume some matches could be held in different centres like Vijayawada and or Anantapur?
The taking part in circumstances on the Vizag stadium have been excellent. We’ll like to play in numerous venues as a result of each group has a distinct fan base in Andhra. If we play in Anantapur, undoubtedly, a number of followers of Rayalaseema Kings will have the ability to attend matches and assist us and if few matches occur, Vijayawada followers from that area will come and assist their group. Completely different venues will likely be a terrific alternative for the group to cater to their native fan base.
Q: Personally, how do you take a look at your profession?
I’m pleased with it as of now as a result of I’m not any individual who thinks loads about it. I’ll take day-after-day because it comes.
Q: Realistically, what are the objectives you have got set for your self and are you pleased with the best way your profession has been transferring on?
I’m not any individual who thinks approach forward in my profession. I don’t set objectives a lot. I focus and give attention to how I’m taking part in in the present day and win the match for my group. As soon as APL will get over, I’ll begin planning what lies subsequent.
Q: What are your feedback on Andhra cricketers like KS Bharat, Nitish Kumar Reddy making it huge?
Nitish is a superb asset for Indian Cricket, not just for the state as a result of we’ll see very uncommon batting and medium-paced all-rounders in India and Nitish is one in every of them. So, I really feel that he will certainly play for the nation. I really feel with the potential he’s having that he will certainly win video games for the nation. Gamers like Nitish have performed APL too. On this approach, APL undoubtedly has given him a terrific platform and alternative to play at a better degree.