For TN vice-captain Andre, pressure is a privilege

For C. Andre Siddarth, pressure is a privilege. The soon-approaching task of serving as R. Sai Kishore’s deputy in the Tamil Nadu Ranji Trophy team is not bogging the 20-year-old down.

The leadership role which has been bestowed upon him is, in fact, driving the young gun to unlock new features in his game. “Becoming the vice-captain for a State like Tamil Nadu at 20 is a privilege and honour. The pressure that comes with it is a blessing,” said Andre, who will also lead TN U-23 in a clash against Rest of India U-23 starting here on Thursday.

“I just want to elevate myself. It (the experience) will be a great learning for me,” added the right-handed run accumulator while also expressing admiration for Tamil Nadu teammate B. Indrajith and former Australia skipper Steve Smith.

Now that Andre is set to shoulder additional responsibility, he is likely to deal with even more peaks and valleys. “Ups and downs are part and parcel of the sport, so being level-headed is important. I am not worried about the result: I am only worried about my improvement.”

He is relishing working under new head coach V. Yo Mahesh, someone who has given wings to TN youngsters’ dreams.

“Yo Mahesh is pushing us out of our comfort zone. He is being hard: he wants us to do the right things, which I feel is much needed going into a new season. Ninety per cent of the practice sessions feel like a match… they are so intense”.