Interview with Mohanram Nidesh: 'Sachin Tendulkar is my idol'

Nidesh’s heroics didn’t prevent Mysuru from winning the KPL last year

Karnataka batsman Nidesh was the surprise package of the 2015 KPL auctions. But for those who followed the tournament closely last season, would have seen his knock in the final which almost won Belagavi Panthers the title.

He started off with a base price of Rs.10,000 and ended up joining Bijapur Bulls for a whopping amount of Rs 3.15 lakhs. He is determined to go one step further for his new franchise this time around and understands that the expectations will be more. He spoke to us exclusively about he reacted to his price tag getting multiplied by 31 times to its original one and his goals for the upcoming season.

?Q. When did you come to know that you have been bought for 3.15 lakhs by the Bijapur Bulls? Did you expect your price to soar so high and how did you react to it?

I was playing a Diamond Jubilee match for the Karnataka XI team. I did not know until that evening. I was expecting less. I was and I am calm and reacted normally.

Since you were bought for almost the same price as Robin Uthappa, fans who haven't seen you play before will be keeping an eye on you. What can they expect from you? Describe your game.

I am basically a stroke maker. I like to attack. Robin and I played together for 5 years. He is an inspiration. Hopefully I won’t disappoint the fans.

Last year, you came so close to winning the title. Personally, you had a great outing in the final, but it must have been so disappointing to have lost it by a whisker. How did you recover from it?

Last year the finals were amazing. I would say, the best match of the tournament. It was disappointing but by the end of the day, it is a part and parcel of the game. All credit goes to Mysuru, they played really well in the end.

Now that the auction is over, what do you make of your squad? You think you can go all the way this time?

Our team is even. We have good batting and bowling line up. If we play to our potential we can go all the way this time. It is going to be an even battle. We will try to give our best shot.

What do you make of your experience playing in the KPL so far? And what's your personal target this season?

KPL is high-intensity cricket. In T20 we need to be on our toes always. Less margin of error. Overall, it was a good experience and this time, as always, I want to give it my best shot and play for the team.

Karnataka right now have a great group of players and they have been very successful in the domestic circuit. Do you think a strong performance in the KPL this season would help you break into the state team and perhaps fetch you an IPL contract as well?

Definitely the Karnataka team is the strongest now according to me. I feel KPL is a good platform for IPL and also to the state side.

What is your fitness regime like? How do you prepare for a match?

I work out four times a week. No weights. More of body resistance training. I like to keep myself fit mentally before each game.

Growing up, who was your cricketing idol?

I have been playing cricket since the age of 13. Played for Karnataka in all age groups. My idol would be Sachin Tendulkar.