Fitness permitting, mentor tips Vijay to open fire for CSK

CHENNAI: In T20 openers play an important role. The runs they score in the powerplay, exploiting the field restrictions, often have a say in the outcome of the match. So teams prefer explosive openers. In conditions good for batting, they look to get 70-80 runs in the first six overs. Can Murali Vijay, India’s premier Test opener who initially went unsold in the auction this year, live up to the demands of the slam-bang version? “Certainly,” says Bharat Reddy, Vijay’s mentor.

“Vijay is a class player, who has the game to play well across formats. He has been injured and had to undergo surgeries. That’s why I think we have not seen him that often in the shorter versions,” he adds. The former India wicketkeeper has groomed Vijay from a rookie to a world-class opener. What is that quality which makes him click? “Determination. He is steely and never gives up. He is mentally tough and knows his job well. The only problem is fitness.

A fit Vijay is an asset to any team in any format.” Vijay is taking his job seriously. Not only has he fined-tuned his game, he has also developed the attitude for the most happening cricket league in the world. He has straightened his hair and changed his body language to suit the shortest version. “I’m ready for T20 and eager to play for CSK. Waiting for our first game against Mumbai. The atmosphere is good and players here have always put the team before self,” Vijay had said a few days back at a promotional event. For match practice, he has played a couple of Vijay Hazare games and the TNCA league. “As a professional you need to adapt to conditions and formats. It was not difficult to come back from South Africa and play here.

I hope do well for CSK,’’ said Vijay. Vijay has opened with several partners. Will he gel with Shane Watson, who is most likely to be the other opener? “Why not! He has the ability to adjust with any player. He is good at running between wickets and has good anticipation to make the right calls while taking runs. I am confident he will gel with anyone he opens with,” opines Reddy. Fans want to see Vijay play an knock like the one he produced against Rajasthan Royals some years back. “Vijay can play like that. If he can get 95 against England at Lord’s being half fit, imagine what a fit Vijay can do,’’ says his guru.

ashok.v@newindianexpress.com