LAXMI RATAN Shukla is not a dreamer. However, he achieved beyond his imagination. He played for India at a very young age. But, he was ignored by the selectors for a long period. Thanks to IPL for rediscovering his talent, once again.

He has given KKR (Kolkata Knight Riders), a respectable exit with his blistering match winning knock against Rajasthan Royals. He believes that lack of motivation in his team was the main reason for KKR not performing well.

Q1: How was your experience of the IPL in South Africa?

Ans:  It was really exciting to play in the Indian Premiere League outside India. In fact it was wonderful. But, the condition over there was very different. Usually, in India, we play in summer. However, we had to play in cold conditions. So, it took time to adapt to the wicket condition. But, I think a sportsman must be tough enough to adapt to any given situation or condition.

Q2: What was the secret of your thrilling performance in the last match against Rajasthan Royals?

Ans:  I don’t know the secret. But, yes, if you are a good sportsman then there is always a motivation to perform well. I think I executed pretty well. And, most importantly it was my day.

Q3: What was your role in KKR?

Ans:  Every player has a pre-defined role in the team. However, you have to decide, what to do and how to do it. A teacher can teach you but it’s you who has to write in the examination. It’s solely your responsibility.

Q4: What’s your take on T20?

Ans:  T20 is the world’s toughest job. In fact it’s equally tough - like a mother giving birth to a baby. We all criticize t20 but I tell you it’s easy to talk about this game however, it’s really tough to execute it. I think it’s very important to understand the T20 format, thoroughly to do well. There is a huge pressure in playing T20. As a sports person, I have never experienced it before, the kind of pressure and heat involved in T20.

Q5: What went wrong with KKR, actually?

Ans:   If you are not in the top four, then – people think you are stupid. Every team tries hard to approach the final four slots. However, all eight teams cannot reach the final four. It’s all about the day, I guess. There is a huge element of luck associated in Twenty20. Lack of motivation in our team was the main reason for us not performing well. Had we been more motivated then probably the result would have been different.

Q6: Don’t you think if Ganguly had captained KKR would have performed better?

Ans:  This is a very difficult thing to answer, as I am a part of KKR and I am not supposed to talk about the captaincy or any other controversial issues.

Q7: Can we put some blame on the captain or coach?

Ans:   To put blame on others is the easiest thing to do in life. Actually, we played badly. We should bat and bowl with sincerity. We had an opportunity of 40 overs. Unfortunately, we didn’t utilize it. You cannot blame the coach. He did his best. We didn’t execute his lessons well.

Q8: How did John motivate the team?

Ans:  Ah! John is a great coach. Australia won two world cups under his coaching. And, every coach tries his best not only to motivate the team but also to get success but at the end of the day, it’s you who has to perform.

Q9: If you were a skipper, would you have done things differently?

Ans:   Everybody tries his best and if I was a captain probably I would try my best as well. But it’s all about the day. Sometime, it works and sometimes it doesn’t.

Q10: Why did KKR lock its good bowler like Charl Langeveldt?

Ans:   It was really unfortunate that he couldn’t play more matches. It was a team management decision. The decision was taken for the betterment of the club. There was no personal reason involved. Everybody had a positive motive including the coach, captain and the management. There are times when, their calculation works and there are times when, it doesn’t. And, it was really sad that he was ignored. However, the motive wasn’t wrong.

Q11: What is the key to win matches in the IPL?

Ans:  Look, all teams are equals in IPL. You have to be a very good performer on that day. And, as I already mentioned T20 is one of the toughest things in the world. One has to be very focussed throughout the match. It requires very good planning. But, Apart from all the hard work, in T20, There is a large amount of luck associated. Whatever you try must click. And, at the end of the day, it must be your day. However, ‘hard work comes before luck’.

Q12: What are your fond memories of IPL?

Ans:  It’s a great pleasure to play or the KKR. It’s a wonderful feeling to play with Shahrukh Khan’s team. He is a big brand and a great motivator. Especially, His inspiring messages mean a lot. And, obviously, to play with Saurav Ganguly is also a great opportunity. There is always room for learning with dada if you want.