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The Rediff Interview /Hrishikesh Kanitkar

'My ambition is to play for India in Tests'

Hrishikesh Kanitkar, son of former Test cricketer Hemant Kanitkar, may not figure in India's one day scheme of things at present, but he seems, so say the congnoscenti, to have what it takes to bounce back into the national side.

Most players in his place would, around this point in time, be rather perplexed to explain their own demotion. After all, Kanitkar, you remember, was the guy who, in Dhaka and elsewhere, would come in and hit off the winning runs -- in fact, the boundary to win the match was becoming something of a Kanitkar trademark. And suddenly, he finds himself nowhere in the national reckoning.

That can hurt -- but the youngster has been taking things with surprising calm, and a spirit of optimism. The fact that he has been appointed to lead India A against the touring West Indies suggests that his absence from the national reckoning is merely temporary, that all he needs is a good performance or three to get back into the senior side.

And what he needed, he got, in style. Installed as skipper of the India A side taking on the touring Windies A outfit, Kanitkar was the only one who came through with colours flying, scoring consistently -- and prolifically -- throughout the series. And, in the process, sent across a hard-to-ignore message to the national selectors.

Kanitkar spoke to Haresh Pandya earlier last month, when Maharashtra was playing Saurashtra in Rajkot in the Ranji Trophy fixture. Excerpts:

Does being out of the national side come as a disappointment?

Yes, it does, I won't bother to deny it. I mean, you can't be pleased at having lost your place in the national side, can you? On the plus side, though, I know I am going to make a comeback very soon. Actually I have been looking at the positive side of the whole situation. I know I'll get matches to prove myself, and I am hoping to do well against the West Indies A team. These days, I know I am batting well, and also bowling decently, plus I am working on both aspects of the game, in the nets. So I don't think not being in the side just now is going to be a big problem, I know I will get my place back.

Would you characterise yourself as a batting all-rounder, or a bowling all-rounder?

I call myself an allrounder, and that's it. I think I am good in both departments of the game, I have never neglected batting for bowling or vice versa.

Has being a left-handed batsman helped you in any way?

Being a left-handed batsman has been an advantage, really, because there are not too many southpaws in the Indian team, besides Saurav and Robin Singh. Being a left-hander gives you an edge over the bowlers, because not too many bowlers enjoy bowling to lefties.

Thinking back to when you first played for the national side, what were your feelings?

It felt great. Not just the first time -- in fact, every time you play for the country, it is a great feeling. Plus, playing alongside your idols like Sachin Tendulkar, Mohammed Azharuddin and others makes it a dream come true.

Your father, being a former player himself, must have been especially pleased?

Yes he was. Before my first game, he told me to relax, play my natural game. He has always been an inspiration, he always backs me up and I can discuss cricket with him any time I need to, it is like having a personal coach at home, I think I am lucky that way.

Did the genes have anything to do with your taking to the game?

I guess so, cricket came naturally to me probably because dad was a top class player himself. I used to love cricket a lot, from when I was very young. I guess my father's influence must have been the reason for that.

Whose game have you modelled your own batting style on? Who was your inspiration?

I haven't modelled my game on any one else's style, I prefer playing my way. Being inspired by some player is one thing, copying him is another, it never works.

What position in the order do you think suits you? Opener? Pinch hitter? Middle order bat?

I am basically prepared to bat anywhere, depending on what the team management requires of me. Opener, pinch hitter, it doesn't matter, I am at home anywhere in the order and can do what needs doing in that situation. Given a choice, of course, I would love the number four slot, but then I am realistic enough to know that is not possible, not in this team.

About your bowling, do you reckon your captains have handled you well, thus far?

Yeah, I think so, no complaints really.

Ever begun to fear that you will be typecast as a one day specialist, like Robin and Jadeja?

I don't think so, I think I have what it takes to play the longer version of the game, in fact it is one of my ambitions, to play for India in Tests, and I reckon I will make it.

Which moments do you cherish, from your career thus far?

The four I hit to win the game against Pakistan, in Dhaka, also my 50 against Australia.

You first hit the limelight with your performances for India Under 19 against Australia Under 19, what are your memories of that tour?

I learned a lot of things while representing India against Australia in that tour, there were good players in the Aussie side, so playing against them was very challenging.

What is the scene, with regard to your academics?

I am a commerce graduate, and studying for MCom right now though I dont have the time to appear for the exams. So I am not sure I will be able to complete it.

What are your hobbies and interests, other than cricket?

I've started playing golf, it's great fun and I am loving it. Then I love music, reading, in music I love easy-listening kind of stuff, rock music is a special favourite. As for books, I dont have any preferences, I read what I find, anything, any subject suits me. On tour, I carry books and music with me.

How about heroes? Who are yours?

Vivian Richards. Right from the beginning, he has been a hero for me. And then there is Steve Waugh, another long time idol.

How about the World Cup? Do you see yourself in the Indian side for that event?

Well, I do hope to get a berth in the national side, I mean, who wouldn't want to be playing the World Cup? If I get in, then I just have to do what it takes to win games for India, since I tend to come in, both with bat and ball, during crucial stages of the game, I will just have to concentrate on playing to the very best of my ability.

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