I just played my game: Venu

Amidst Hyderabad’s soggy IPL campaign, the performance of Venugopala Rao has stood out as crisp as fresh morning lettuce. Never seen as a batsman cut for the exacting demands T20, Venugopala has punched above his weight consistently through the IPL.

With 288 runs in 10 innings that came at a strike rate of more than 140 Venugopala has silenced detractors who questioned his merits and adaptability in this format.

His run a ball 46 against Chennai Super Kings was further proof on how he has matured as a player. “I just went out there and enjoyed myself not letting the situation get to me,” said Venugopala of his IPL experience.

Adam Gilchrist’s advice on the use of a squash ball inside the glove has also helped the former Andhra Ranji captain. “It has helped me considerably with my grip and I will continue with it as long as I am comfortable with it,” said Venugopala.

Preferring to hit the ball only straight down till he got his eye firmly in, Venugopala paced his innings brilliantly.
Hyderabad were struggling at 57 for three at the half way stage from where Venugopala and Ravi Teja dug in deep to help add 90 runs in the second half.

Venugopala was the calming influence on Teja who went to attack mode a trifle early. Rotating the strike with sharp singles, Venugopala excelled with soft hands. He was also content to play second fiddle when Teja started striking better.

Venugopala who lost his place in the Indian ODI team after a string of poor scores is fighting hard to regain his place and even took a transfer to Maharashtra for the Ranji Trophy to stake his claim and his consistent shows in the IPL could put him back in the selector’s radar.

With his new found confidence Venugopala is a treat to watch. The bottom hand does not dominate as it did before and there is a free flow to his bat swing and one can associate better balance with him now. His shot selection was stand out and the sweetly timed six he hit of L. Balaji over covers was a connoisseurs delight.

Albie Morkel who returned with two wickets also paid rich tribute to the 50-ball 76-run partnership orchestrated by the duo. “It was good attacking cricket especially after they had lost a few big wickets and they probably ended up 20 runs more than what they would have even aspired for.” No praise can be bigger than the one coming from an opponent. Venugopala deserved every bit of praise that has come his way during the IPL and the vociferous Hyderabad crowd who chanted his name all along on Tuesday said it all.