Chennai, Jan 18: As Rajasthan prepare to defend their Ranji Trophy title, skipper Hrishikesh Kanitkar and coach, Amit Asawa, feel that team work has helped them to stay together and fight for the trophy for a second year in a row. The duo explained that banishing the fear of losing helped Rajasthan come out as winners. Ahead of the final clash against Tamil Nadu starting tomorrow at Chepauk, Kanitkar also emphasized that Rajasthan put team before individual when he addressed the media.

Excerpts from their media conference:

On coming from Plate League last year how important was it for Rajasthan to prove that they could hold their own in Elite league

We weren’t really looking to prove anything to anybody, our first goal was to qualify, we didn’t start so well but we didn’t lose any [matches] outright. We kept getting the one point [from] each game. Finally we qualified, [so] that goal was achieved. We took one game at a time […] trying to do our best.

On whether they did anything special

No 1: is we stayed at the academy at RCA. Because of that, our dinners, lunch everything was arranged downstairs in the restaurant. So, all of us used to invariably eat together, spend a lot of time together without being formal. That way we got to know each other very well so we formed a good friendship amongst us. No 2: what I have learnt over the years is players are going to make mistakes and it is fine to make mistakes. And that’s what I was trying to show everyone, that it’s okay to make mistakes as long as we learn. I think, that type of thing really helped because there was no fear. The fear went away of not doing well. So I think that really worked for us.

On how different will things be this time around as Rajasthan had beaten TN in the semi-final last year

I think Tamil Nadu anytime is a tough team to beat. [It] was the same last time. We posted a big score [and] they chased it very well. Finally, we were able to win the match. I don’t think it’s going to be much different. It will depend on who plays well and who is prepared to win the sessions. We are expecting a good fight. The home advantage will be with Tamil Nadu. But, that’s fine. Last time they came and played in Jaipur […]. We are looking forward to a good game.

On pacer Rituraj Singh

He moves the ball both ways. He’s got good control on his swing [and] got enough pace to beat the bat. It’s a good package. He’s been bowling very well. He is [in] good rhythm. He trains at the MRF Pace Foundation. I think he is a good youngster, somebody who can play a lot of cricket going forward, can keep on improving.

On the pitch

Looks like a good wicket. it will help both bowlers and batsmen, so it will be a fair wicket.

On the role of the spinners:

Don’t know we will take it as it comes. Let’s see how the wicket develops because many times the wicket looks something and plays something else, so we’ll see how it goes and take it from there.

On whether TN has a better depth in their batting

I think Tamil Nadu, more than depth they have experience. Most of their guys have played a lot of cricket and the league in Tamil Nadu also has a very good level. The home advantage is definitely with them. Our side has experience as well. What it comes down to [is] what we do in the next five days. It doesn’t matter how experienced you are if you can’t perform or are not able to perform. Experience will count but who is more hungry will be very important.

On whether the hunger is more amongst the seniors than the youngsters who are allured by other formats

No. I don’t think so. Speaking for our team, I think, yes, the seniors are very hungry for it because it doesn’t happen all the time, you don’t play finals all the time, but having won the final last year, the juniors have also seen what benefits you get when you are a Ranji [Trophy] winner. So, I think, everyone is very convinced. It’s vital that we win the match. We have to play good cricket, that’s more important.