TNPL 2016: Michael Hussey not surprised by Baba Aparajith's impact in the TNPL

Former Australian international Michael Hussey expressed his delight after watching former Chennai Super Kings teammate Baba Aparajith create history by becoming the first centurion in the Tamil Nadu Premier League. The Aussie even claimed that he was not surprised by the VB Thiruvallur Veerans skipper’s knock having watched him grow up close.

Hussey, who considers Chennai as his second home after making a big impact for the now-suspended IPL franchise, revealed that he used to bat together with Aparajith during the net sessions while he was at CSK and was impressed with what he saw as a huge talent.

"We were basically net batting partners. Every session we would share a net together. My first impression of Aparajith was that he had an excellent technique and the foundations of being a brilliant player in all forms of the game. He was always willing to learn and had a good work ethic," Hussey said.

The 41-year-old said that he didn’t need to give much advice to Aparajith as he was already solid with his technique and added that he just gave a few tips regarding the mentality to be adopted while out in the middle.

"I only spoke to him about his head position going towards the bowler at release rather than going towards point. I also told him to keep his mind as clear as possible when batting," he said.

Despite being on the roster for over four seasons, first with CSK and later Rising Pune Supergiants following the former’s suspension, Aparajith is yet to make his IPL debut but Hussey believes that Aparajith has a bright future in the game and expressed sympathy for the youngster who found it hard to break into the star-studded CSK batting line-up.

"It was difficult for him to get an opportunity for CSK as the team was so strong. But I know he was highly regarded in the team and given a run I know he would not have let anyone down,” he said. "He never complained (sitting on the bench), he was an excellent team man and did all the necessary duties behind the scenes to help the team."

The inaugural edition of the TNPL does have some Australian flavour to it with Michael Bevan coaching the Madurai Super Giants franchise while Ruby Kanchi Warriors have roped in Brett Lee as the side’s mentor. Hussey revealed that he has been following the matches so far and is keeping a keen eye on his former teammates including Aparajith and Karaikudi Kaalai skipper S Badrinath.

"I have seen a few of the scores. It was great to see some of my old teammates such as Aparajith and S. Badrinath play the tournament," Hussey said.