Abhishek Nayar

Abhishek Nayar on missing out a well-deserved hundred by one run in the Ranji Trophy final

Monday, January 12, 2009

Abhishek Nayar Interview - "I will go beserk"

Mumbai: Coming in, when the score is at 55 for the loss of 4 wickets, is not exactly a batsman's dream come true. But when it seemed that Mumbai's famed batting-order was about to collapse, in stepped Abhishek Nayar. "We have batted well throughout the season. This was a chance for the middle-order to prove themselves we lost wickets early. It was a good opportunity, and I made the most of it. I was going to hang in there initially and just have a look and play my shots and it worked," said Nayar while speaking to former India opener VB Chandrashekhar.

Nayar narrowly missed out on a century, and was dismissed when on 99. His innings was laced with 13 fours and one six and took 190 balls. "I think maybe I'll get the hundred in the second innings. Its just one of those things. This is the third time that I've got out in the nineties, so when I get to 99 next time I will not nudge around for a single, I will just go berserk," said Nayar.

Nayar has been known to play his shots regardless of the situation or opposition, however versus the Uttar Pradesh bowlers, Nayar seemed less inclined to play the big shots and looked out more for the singles. "The coach has been after me to play along the carpet. I got out playing a bad shot in the match before this one. Since the pitch was doing a bit I played along the carpet and when I decided that when I was set I would get runs quicker."

Nayar was partnered by Rohit Sharma at the other end, who hit 113 off 206 balls hitting 17 fours. When asked whether it was Sharma who was making the calls on running between the wickets, Nayar said, "We batted together a lot this year so we have a good rapport on and off the field and that helps. It doesn't matter who's calling as long as I reach safely."

Sharma led a charmed life out in the middle and was dropped a few times. "I was just trying to tell him to play to his instincts as he is a very instinctive player. It was upto him to decide whether to hit the next ball for four or not. He was destiny's child today," said Nayar.

The pitch played its part as Mumbai lost its top-order quickly. "The pitch wasn't one you could trust. The old ball was kicking up out of the cracks. We just had to make sure that we were in control of our shots and not be too aggressive. Once the ball got older it it was better to bat," added Nayar.

Bhuvaneshwar Kumar rattled Mumbai, picking up five wickets, including those of Wasim Jaffer who scored a triple hundred in the previous match and the prized scalp of the Little Master, Sachin Tendulkar. "He was landing it on the seam. That's the thing with this pitch. If you can land it on the seam it can do a bit. He bowled really well and got the great man out," praised Nayar.

And what is Mumbai planning for Day 2 of the final? "We will be looking at a score of 400 or 450. That should be a good score on this pitch. We are hoping that Rohit Sharma stays there and gets a double hundred. Hopefully Ajit (Agarkar) can hang on."

The Mumbai team will certainly hope so.