My failures helped me learn and work harder
MUMBAI: Mumbai Indians batsman Nitish Rana has been the story of this IPL. Coming off a below-par season in domestic cricket for Delhi, Rana has more than made up with his impressive run for Mumbai Indians. With 266 runs, he is No 4 on the list of top run-getters with 16 sixes, the most in the meet. Excerpts from an interview:
How does it feel to be a recognised face in the country?
It’s a very proud feeling for any youngster and I’m going through the same kind of emotions. I would like to share an incident. I was playing a local tournament in Delhi. While I was batting, a friend told me: ‘You’ve been selected by MI. I retorted, saying, ‘Listen, don’t play pranks with me; especially not something like this.’ Despite having had a good run in the domestic season then, I didn’t expect this one bit. MI was a very big team for me. That was one feeling and today’s is another. I can’t compare the two or tell which one gave me more happiness. Firstly, the wait for nearly one-and-a-half-years to get an opportunity and then perform in the manner I’ve done so far. It’s very big for me.
Do you feel you’ve exceeded expectations?
Well, I didn’t have a great Ranji season. So I just kept telling myself that I had a number of things in my control now and if I can keep myself mentally prepared, it wouldn’t be too long before I get a chance to prove myself. I was just focused.
You were dropped from the Delhi team...
It was tough. But then if I can’t perform, no one would play me. Well, I feel it’s very important to fail. I failed a lot, people commented as well, but I ignored it and believed in myself and worked hard.
You said in the press conference earlier that you had spoken to Gautam Gambhir, Sachin Tendulkar and Mahela Jayaward hane. You even said Gambhir gave you a few examples... What were they?
Well I had a few technical issues. As my form dipped and I got out early in a couple of one-dayers, Gambhir spoke to me regarding my technique. After coming over here, I spoke to Sachin sir and Mahela sir regarding the same and both said that Gambhir was right and from the first day I started practising that way.
What was the change?
Well I have a low stance and there was a problem with me being side-on. They asked me to be upright and open up my shoulder a bit more to help me get a better look at the ball.
There are talks regarding you being in the running for the Champions Trophy. Do you hope to get such a break?
I would definitely like to get a break. But at the same time I don’t want to think too far ahead. My aim is to live in the present and enjoy what’s happening right now and perform day after day, match after match.