The year 2019 has been a memorable one for senior Kerala pacer Sandeep Warrier. The 28-year-old was the top wicket-taker for his side with 44 scalps as Kerala qualified for the semifinals of the Ranji Trophy for the first time last season. The right-arm fast bowler also made the most of the limited opportunities that came his way in the Indian Premier League (IPL) after a long wait to make his debut in the high-pressure T20 tournament, pulled his weight in the India ‘A’ team’s tour of the West Indies, and got married to longtime girlfriend international roller skater Aarathy Kasturiraj last month. Ahead of the Vijay Hazare Trophy national one-day competition, which begins in Bengaluru on Tuesday, Onmanorama spoke to Sandeep over the phone. Excerpts from the interview:
What made you so successful in the last season?
I would say it was a continuous process. I kept things simple and reaped the rewards. As for the IPL, I was in good rhythm in the Ranji Trophy and then I got the lucky break (when Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) pacer Kamlesh Nagarkoti was injured). The KKR team management and captain Dinesh Karthik told me just one thing -- continue what was clicking for me while playing for Kerala and wait for my turn. Fortunately, I was able to perform in the three matches I got to play. I hope to continue in the the same vein if KKR retain me for the next season.
You, Basil Thampi and M D Nidheesh have formed a formidable pace trio for Kerala…
Basil’s inclusion has given us a big boost. A couple of years back, the spin trio of (S K) Monish, Fabid (Farooq) and Akshay Chandran was getting the bulk of the wickets. Now the roles have reversed. It’s all about the current form and also the kind of tracks that we play on. This season it could well be the spinners or the pacers’ turn. You never know.
You bowled a match-winning spell against the West Indies ‘A’ in the second unofficial Test at Port of Spain last month...
It was a helpful wicket at the Queen's Park Oval. We had conceded a huge first innings lead (128) and myself and (Mohammed) Siraj aimed to create pressure from both ends in the short period of play before stumps on the third day. Both of us bowled really well and I picked up three wickets, while he got one.
You were also part of the India Red team which emerged victorious in the recent Duleep Trophy...
I must say it was a very strong India Red team. We had the likes of Priyanak Panchal and Abhimanyu Easwaran in the batting department. Overall it was a formidable outfit. I played in two matches and it was satisfying to end up on the winning side.
Kerala have gone in for a captaincy change this time with Robin Uthappa replacing Sachin Baby at the helm in the shorter formats. Your views?
I guess the KCA (Kerala Cricket Association) wants to make the most of Uthappa’s experience. He has played for India and been part of the Karnataka team and IPL for a long time. So his experience will be a big plus for us.
Dav Whatmore has made a big impression as Kerala head coach…
Whatmore’s biggest strength is that he keeps it simple. He’s very good at man management and asks the players to express themselves. The coach analyses the strength of a player and fits him in a role which benefits the team the most.
You were basically an outswing bowler. Now you are able to swing the ball both ways at pace…
In the season prior to the last one, we played mostly on slow tracks which assisted the spinners more. I used to bowl well on those wickets and beat the batsmen, but the wickets were missing. I worked on the inswinger as I realised it will help me get more wickets. I practised hard for six to seven months and it was only after a few games last season that I felt confident of bowling it during matches.
What are your expectations about the Hazare Trophy?
Our performances in the Hazare Trophy and T20 (Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy) in the past season were disappointing. We’ve been preparing hard here (Bengaluru). Our aim is to qualify for the knockout phase in all three formats and give a shot at winning the trophies. There are no individual goals as such for any of the team members.
You have been part of the South Zone and India ‘A’ teams. Do you think you are close to realising the dream of playing for India?
One has to be realistic about the prospects of playing for an Indian team which is very strong in all three formats at the moment. If you look at the Indian pacers, whether it be (Jasprit) Bumrah, Deepak Chahar or (Navdeep) Saini one common thread is that they all have made it to the senior team on the basis of consistent performances for at least two or three seasons. It’s highly unlikely that one splendid season will take you to the Indian team. They key is to deliver consistently for two or three seasons on the trot.
