“I want Ganguly as KKR captain”

The South African batsman Morne van Wyk speaks exclusively to espnstar.com about the Airtel CL T20 and his KKR stint.

Morne van Wyk, who plays for the Diamond Eagles in South Africa, is also a part of the Kolkata Knight Riders team in the Indian Premier League. Determined to have a great campaign in the ongoing Airtel Champions League, he also wants to strengthen his case for the next season of the IPL.

Q. How has been the experience of playing in the Airtel Champions League so far?

A. This is a big tournament for us. We would have to beat the best of the teams, which is very challenging but we are getting used to the conditions well. We have had a good preparation coming into the tournament. A lot of players came to India beforehand to adapt to the conditions.

Q. As compared to the other teams, your team is not studded with stars. Do you think other teams have an edge over you?

A. I think the teams may just underestimate us and that can work to our advantage. A lot of younger guys in the team are very determined to make it big and that I think is a plus point for our side.

Q. Out of the two roles of being a batsman and sometimes a wicketkeeper, which one do you enjoy the more?

A. I think I enjoy doing both. But batting obviously comes first for me. I am concentrating more on my batting than on keeping. However, keeping is extremely interesting as you can see the bowler bowling as well as the batsman playing a shot. It is the best view from behind the stumps.

Q. Do you think it has become increasingly important to have all-round skills in contemporary cricket?

A. Yes, absolutely. If you are an all-rounder, it opens the doors for you. It is always an advantage. You can carve out a career as a batsman or a bowler or a wicketkeeper. If you are good in more than one department, you always have more opportunities.

Q. How has been the experience for you while playing for the Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL?

A. Though we did not do too well as a team, it was one of the best cricketing experiences. I was not involved in the first season but in the second season I was very much a part of the team. We couldn't perform well at all but we do have a very talented and well-balanced squad.
We got off to a slow start in the second season and by the time we got into the rhythm; it was a little too late. But I would still say that we did well. And now the steps are being taken in the right direction. The people associated with the team are very eager to get things back on track. Hopefully, they would make Sourav Ganguly the captain again and with a new coach, things are surely going to improve.

Q. Would you really like to see Sourav Ganguly back as captain?

A. Yes. I am very much looking forward to have him as captain. He is always willing to share his invaluable experiences with the younger players. He has been really very helpful and a player of his experience is always good for leading the team. We have a lot of scope for improvement. There are a few things that need to be sorted out and I am sure if Ganguly is back as captain we would be able to move from strength to strength.

Q. Do you have IPL at the back of your mind While competing in the CL T20?

A. Yes, IPL is there at the back of my mind and I am sure that in the next season, the Knight Riders will be able to reach the finals of the tournament.

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