Ravi Teja was spotted at the Glen Smith Avenue in Durban speeding in his borrowed Ferrari at nearly 200Kmph. Ravi Teja’s life outside the cricket field is not dissimilar to the one he leads inside. Full of life and boyish enthusiasm Teja missed a golden opportunity to become an overnight hero in Hyderabad. In the company of Andrew Symonds he scripted a thrilling run chase only to fall at the post against Delhi.

“It was very disappointing to lose after having made the job easy. I know my shot selection let the team down but I am confident of putting up a better performance in the next match,” said Teja who added driving a Ferrari was one of his dreams and he got a chance when Deccan Chargers’ security expert Dino Rangaram’s son-in-law allowed him a spin.

Teja might have not have got enough chances to prove his worth with the bat. His opportunities have been limited. But he has remained a tiger in the field holding on to some amazing catches and effecting some crucial run outs. “The last two months with fielding coach Mike Young has made the difference. Fielding has also been my passion. Our coach spoke about the importance of balance in fielding also on throwing techniques. We were told to go for the stumps even if only half a chance existed for a run out,” said Teja.

Robin Uthappa standing exasperated after Teja took a blinder at deep mid-wicket will stand in memory of every spectator who was in Cape Town that day. Pictures of that catch might grow grainer but it will never be old to excite. “It felt great when I finally got my hands under that ball. I just went for it without thinking about anything, said Teja who also held an important catch against Rajasthan Royals in Kimberly.

Any batsman will feel hard done if he is not allowed to bat in his normal position but Teja does not mind going in the middle order as long as the team is winning. “I would definitely prefer to open as I have grown up playing the new ball. To get in and adjust against spin is difficult but I will have to adapt. Suman has done very well and I am happy for him. Have no complaints as every player in the side is giving his best. I have to make use of the chances I get,” said Teja.

All the shifting in the batting order has not made a difference to preparation. “Have been practicing the paddle sweep and the flick over short fine leg. T20 is all about thwacking the ball from the start and I don’t see a major difference even if I go in late. The basic idea is to make each ball count,” said Teja who has played 20 Ranji Trophy matches for Hyderabad scoring 1625 runs at an average of 45.13.

The 21-year-old Teja might not be setting the house on fire with tall scores but is an impact player who can lay a strong foundation with a quick-fire innings at the top. Hyderabad has not had the best of results in the domestic front. The success of local players in the IPL will change all that according to Teja. “After players left for the ICL things got difficult but with the experience IPL has given us I am sure our performance next year would get better. We have understood the importance of proper planning and preparation, we will take it forward in the Ranji for sure,” concluded Teja.