TNPL 2016: Rahil Shah reveals what the plan was in final over after thrilling finish

Lyca Kovai Kings all-rounder Harish Kumar spoke exclusively to the TNPL website after their heart-breaking two run loss to the VB Thiruvallur Veerans in the India Cements Tamil Nadu Premier League.

What are your immediate thoughts after the loss?

It’s a very good wicket to bat on. We knew that one seventy was chasable on this pitch if we had wickets in hand. We were following that plan but unfortunately didn’t have wickets in hands. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to win it for my team. We would have been happy if we won but obviously because we lost we are all a little upset.

You had an all-round performance today.

Actually importantly I didn’t bowl well in my last over today and I feel that over changed the match. Which is why I wanted to perform well and win it with the bat but I failed. I’m not satisfied with my effort as I was not able to finish the game.

Do you think the last three overs between the sides made the difference including the wicket of a no ball?

Such things happen in T20. We need a little bit of luck as well. Apar’s batting was outstanding.

Tell us more about the last over.

Requiring only fifteen runs on this wicket we should have been able to hit any bowler. Rahil bowled his last over very well though.

What is your plan for your final match?

We have to put in our hundred per cent and not worry about the result.

How was the crowd at Chepauk today?

It was a fabulous crowd that was screaming very loudly. We need to thank them for creating that atmosphere.

Rahil Shah of VB Thiruvallur Veerans addressed the media after his team clinched a two-run humdinger against Lyca Kovai Kings in their India Cements TN Premier League game at Chennai on Saturday. Here is an excerpt:

On bowling that thrilling last over

(Laughs) I just tried to keep it out of the arc (for S Harish Kumar) as I know that he will try and hit straight over mid-wicket. My plan was to deny him a single.

On the crowd

It was fantastic as in all five games we got a lot of support. It motivated us to do well.

On the run-target

Actually, we never thought of a set score. Our plan was that one batsman from the top-order should stay till the end. We did a good job of scoring 170.

Next match?

We have to stay in the present and keep the momentum going. We also have a team meeting in place and we’ll take it from there.