IPL has the spark: Shukla

27th May 2008

Kolkata Knight Riders member Laxmi Ratan Shukla believes a tournament like the DLF Indian Premier League (IPL) grants a player the "spark" to prove their competencies. Even though the Bengal captain's IPL team could not leave a mark in the inaugural edition of the Twenty20 championship he expressed that it was a wholesome experience for him.

In the thirteen IPL games that he played, Shukla scored 164 runs and took a total of six wickets in 12 overs that he bowled.

"It is a good platform for the players. Here you get the chance to prove yourself in front of the audience as well," he was quoted as saying to one of our on-field reporters. He further added that the domestic tournaments do not get enough coverage but the IPL has the "spark".

"It is a great feeling to play in front of these crowds especially at Eden Gardens in the presence of the local crowd," he said appreciatively.

Shukla, who made his first class debut in the 1997-98 season led Bengal to the finals in the Vijay Hazare Trophy this year.

"It is a matter of pride to represent any state especially for eleven seasons. The crowd of Bengal has also been very supportive," he stated adding that contributing for the team when it requires your services the most is quite satisfying.

Speaking about the difference between the ODI and Twenty20 format, Shukla thinks the compressed version offers more opportunities to an all-rounder as compared to just a batsman or a bowler.

"There is a lot of time available in the ODI format which is not the case in Twenty20, so one has to manage time till a certain extent. And as professionals, we are expected to do so," he mentioned.