“Munaf (Patel) did a good job last year. Sidharth Dwivedi is also there and then we also have Shaun Tait this year, so overall I think we would be able to cover up well for Tanvir though I must say he did exceptionally well last year,” Salunkhe said.

Salunkhe who would primarily be in the side as a leg-spinning all-rounder who can use the long handle when the need arises said that he would be looking to bowl a tidy line and length and would primarily focus on control.

“Right line would be crucial”

He said that conditions in South Africa would not assist spinners much and that is why landing the ball in the right areas would be the key.

“South African conditions would not assist spinners so I would try to bowl a good line and length. Control would be the key and I am looking forward to the challenge,” he said.

Salunkhe who plays for Mumbai in the domestic circuit then spoke about his relationship with skipper Shane Warne and what he learnt from the wizard of spin during the IPL’s first edition.

The Mahela dismissal

He also narrated the famous Mahela Jayawardene dismissal during their match against Kings XI Punjab.

“Warne got rid of Kumar Sangakkara and then when I went to congratulate him he asked me to get Jayawardene’s wicket. I was surprised but then he told me what to do and I finally lapped up the wicket”.

“He is a master of the game. He has taught me a lot of things like the slider, the winning attitude, confidence.”

“The only thing which the skipper said was to go and get the batsmen. ‘Do not think about anything else.’ He gave so much confidence that each of us wanted to deliver more than our abilities,” said Salunkhe.

“We are under no pressure”

Salunkhe who has played six T20 matches and has picked up a wicket with a not so impressive economy rate of 9.75 said that the team is under no pressure, though they are the defending champions.

“We will play with the same kind of attitude and would definitely do well this time again,” he said.

Speaking about his career, the 27-year-old said that the IPL matured him as a player.

“I was a novice cricketer when I won the ‘Cricket Star’ competition and was sent to Leicestershire to train but now after the IPL I have learnt a lot and I think I have matured a lot as a cricketer as well. Playing with such biggies and sharing dressing room with players like Warne and Graeme Smith has certainly helped,” concluded the all-rounder.
Source – espnstar.com