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‘I need a plan for myself’
Former India player Rudra Pratap Singh' last played an international match against Pakistan at Centurion Park in September 2009.
Former India player Rudra Pratap Singh' last played an international match against Pakistan at Centurion Park in September 2009.
The only thing occupying his mind at this point in time is to stage a comeback.
The bowler speaks of his plans in the upcoming IPL for his new side in Kochi, with HT. Excerpts
How sentimental was it for you to leave the Deccan Chargers?
I wasn't expecting this from the Chargers as I was part of the family and I did my best for the side in all the three editions of the IPL. I don't know what they thought about me (during the auction), but it was really disheartening.
Your are now with a new franchise, Kochi…
I am thankful to them for hiring me. Since it is a new side for me, I need to plan myself again for a new mission as expectations would be high and I have to live up to those expectations. It would be interesting to play matches against the Deccan Chargers.
How important will this IPL be for you?
It's a big opportunity for me as even in the past, performances in the IPL have helped many stage a comeback to the India team. For the last 16 months, I am out of international cricket, and I hope to use the IPL as the road to stage a comeback into the national side.
Were you expecting that you would be dropped from the list of World Cup probables?
It was really shocking. I was at least expecting a place among the 30 probables. But it didn't happen. It is disappointing that even after doing so well in the domestic matches, I couldn't make it to the list of the probables.
How much cricket is left in you now?
I hope to continue playing cricket for another 5-6 years. But, it will depend on how I carry myself.
