Wanted to show that leggies can be successful in red-ball cricket: Shreyas

On a day when he made his 100th First Class appearance during the Duleep Trophy final, South Zone leggie Shreyas Gopal felt he was happy to prove a point that wrist-spinners can have a long career.

“I was told that there are not too many leg-spinners who have played 30-50 games. I wanted to show that leg-spinners can play red-ball cricket and still be successful. I put a lot of work into my bowling,” said Shreyas on Sunday.

The 33-year-old had one of his best years in the Ranji Trophy last season, claiming 48 wickets and scoring 469 runs, playing a key role in Karnataka reaching the final.

“I think it’s just tactically trying to get a little better. Using the crease, understanding the situation and when to attack, when to defend,” he explained on the areas he has improved.

“Most times it would come off. Sometimes, like today, it won’t come off. But as long as you go in with a plan, it actually gives you a sense of direction,” he said.

Last year, Shreyas also led Mangaluru Dragons to title triumph in the Maharaja Trophy KSCA T20 tournament and felt his time with M.S Dhoni at Chennai Super Kings helped him a lot.

“There are so many questions I’ve asked (Dhoni) over these last two years, and I just tried to take the whole thing over there. I wouldn’t say we won because of that, but definitely some of those moves I wouldn’t have made if I hadn’t had that experience or that time with CSK,” said Shreyas.

Shikhar Mohan made a fluent 85.
| Photo Credit:
R. RAGU

Meanwhile, East Zone batter Shikhar Mohan, who made a fine 85 on the opening day, was pleased that he could carry his good form from his maiden Ranji campaign last season, where he made 613 runs.

“Coming into this match, I just wanted to carry that from the Ranji Trophy. Ishan (Kishan) bhaiya gave me a lot of advice while I was batting. He was telling me which shots are on and which are not. Thanks to that, we had a great partnership,” said Shikhar.