Know your Skipper - Raina Vemuri
Captain - 2nd XI
Q1) Congratulations Raina on being appointed as captain, how do you feel about taking over a team that has been super successful in the past years?Thank you again! I was surprised to know I was part of the captaincy group and will be taking over second XI captaincy. To be frank it is a huge challenge, especially after delivering a no-loss season the last year, it is a huge responsibility. On top of it, keeping the same environment as the previous captain and keeping the team together will be my biggest challenge. Personally, building trust and acceptance within the team is more important for me than anything else. We are now in Div2 and to go to Div1 we need to be in the top 2, so I think that is an added pressure, but I think I will do justice to it.
Q2) What do you think is the most important quality of a good captain?
The First thing is a captain has to listen. Secondly, a captain has to have a strategy even before the game starts, he needs to understand the team's emotions as well before going into the game and lastly give the team confidence and back every individual player.
Q3) What are the key things you want to inherit from the previous captain and what new ideas you are planning to bring in fresh?
On top of my mind, one thing I would like to have is a defined role for every player, which I think was partly here and there, but I would like to implement that consistently so at least 9 out of 11 know why they are playing in the team. Secondly, what we can continue is trusting the player, even though they fail to perform in a few games and that is how we turn players into stars. We have seen so many examples in the past. Again this cannot happen overnight but having a process will definitely help in achieving it. I want to look back and say he is my guy and I helped in grooming him.
Q4) How do you plan on deciding your team's batting and bowling order?
I want to do it as a set pattern. I don't want to do it impromptu, having a defined role gives more confidence to players and helps them prepare better. Impromptu works sometimes, but if done regularly it can have a negative impact on players.
Q5) Who is one player you look up to and one captain who you look up to in the club?
In the club one player I look up to, ohh.. my, I think I can name Raghu. I look up to him coz I like the way he gets involved and the way he understands the game with respect to bowling is amazing.
Regarding captain, I have played under 2-3 captains but I would say Inder is my personal favorite. No one can deny it, the way he backed me up and also other players was inspiring. For me, it has to be him
Q6) How are you planning to communicate with your team, do you prefer 1-1 or in the group, such as huddle back?
I would have it in multiple ways. There are times when I might have to have hard talks. Depending on the situation, I might choose to have a 1-1, or once I have my core, I might have a group chat. But again for me, the club is my first priority, whatever works in the best interest of the club I will follow that.
Q7) How do motivate your team when chips are down?
When defending a target, I would definitely try to be active and try to still play the game, whatever is left. I would like to build a support system as I will be fielding outside thirty yards, so will need them to chip in as well. To be honest, I don't know, when chips are down I will also be under pressure and it needs to be seen how I will handle it. When I've gone through that scenario, maybe we can have this conversation again :-)
Q8) Time for some prediction - who do you think will be top three in batting and bowling end of season 2023?
I don't know the order in which players will bat, but they way I see Poovi can be 1, I expect Sai to be in top three as he has potential. With the amount of batting space given, Raghu/Inder can be in top three. Deepak Rajurkar is in top three every season so I have to keep him in the list
Bowling wise - I want to see Srikant. Pushpendra is a great talent so him. I would love to see myself in that list as well. If Ashish is playing then definitely him. Also, in terms of wicket taking ability cannot rule out Mahesh Bamane.
Q9) How do you see yourself striking balance between captaincy and your own performance?
To be frank, first I want to a player this season. With the end I gave last season, I want to prove to me and team I can be a better player than last season. I want to deliver all round in batting, bowling and fielding everything. Coz I am a captain now, I cannot take chances now, I want to anchor the innings and bowling wise I want to come as first change. But it needs to be seen
Q10) One message to players who play in your team?
Just enjoy your game. Fitness is important thing and I was very happy when it happened to me and I am still in midway. Enjoy your day and dont think what am I getting today. Always think for your team and enjoy team's success.
Member discussion