Virat Kohli is my idol in cricket, I just love watching him play: Chirag Suri from UAE [Interview]

Chirag Suri’s growth as a cricketer falls in the same timeline as the UAE’s growth in international cricket. Having previously been a part of the U19 squad, the 27-year-old took no time to impress the selectors and got his first call-up against West Indies in 2018. Interestingly, he is one such player who should have been part of an IPL franchise. before making his international cricket debut. Being a foreign cricketer, this is not a common occurrence and it proves the kind of talent that Suri possesses.

The cricketer has since represented the UAE in 29 T20Is and 35 ODIs. With an average of 30.42, the Delhi-born cricketer has scored 791 runs in the shortest format of the game while he has 941 runs in ODI cricket. Now that the T20 World Cup is all set to begin soon, Suri will once again be the center of attraction. After UAE failed to qualify for the main round of the Asia Cup and lost the T20I series against Bangladesh, the team is currently under pressure to turn things around, but are they ready to create history?

Suri talked about UAE’s chances in the T20 World Cup, his personal goals, UAE’s future in cricket and much more.

samples:

1. How was the trip from Delhi to UAE?

It’s been quite a journey. You always dreamed as a child to play international cricket, to play in world championships. Today I am lucky enough to be in Australia participating in the T20 World Cup. I think this is what dreams are made of. From a little boy playing in the street to going to the academy with my father, I think it’s been a rewarding journey. I enjoyed myself the whole way through. Lots and lots of ups and downs as in everyone’s journey and cricket is no different. It has had its share of good and not so good. I have been a part of some amazing teams, being lucky enough to be a part of the IPL, Canadian leagues, T10, representing the UAE national cricket team. Let’s see what the journey holds next.

2. How special was the debut moment for you?

This is a big, big moment. It was my ODI debut and we were there for the World Cup qualifiers and also fighting for ODI status. It was a big tournament, to qualify and get that ODI status that lasts for four years, so it’s a huge, huge tournament. I was lucky enough that we played the match against the West Indies and then we played the Netherlands and managed to secure ODI status. You don’t get to play these big teams every day. As an associated nation, you play with those associated nations. So to debut against West Indies was a great feeling.

3. Who is your idol in cricket?

I have always loved Virat Kohli, I have said it before. He is someone I really respect. I think just watching him play – he does his job, the aggression, the dedication, the clinicalness. He is so focused and passionate about the game that I think I will definitely take a leaf out of his book. I just love watching him play.

4. What are the specific things that the UAE team needs to work on ahead of the T20 World Cup?

It’s about getting better and improving every day. We are getting closer and closer to where we want to be. The World Cup is where we want to put all those pieces together. Obviously we played very good cricket and it is not easy to play against nations like Bangladesh and other test nations. We beat Ireland regularly in T20Is before qualifying for the World Cup. So we’re definitely putting in a lot of good performances and there’s good in some parts and as each team wants, put those parts together. At times, what happened is that we batted well, but we didn’t bat well. So we want to have perfectly synchronized games because I think we have to be absolutely clinical at the World Cup and that’s what we would like to do in these games (warm-up games).

5. The team has not played many matches on Australian soil. Do you think this is a disadvantage?

I haven’t played in Australia either. I played qualifiers in New Zealand, about four or five years ago. I haven’t played much cricket (in this region) since then, but I think the wickets here are good and we were here for the last 10-15 days earlier. So, we get used to the conditions. We really enjoy this kind of songs. I think if you put in the work, stay focused and have a plan, you can do well. Our team is suited for these types of loopholes. I think we’re in a good space right now.

6. Do you think the team should play against tougher opponents to get stronger?

It’s definitely something we’re talking about – more games against better nations, because the better people you play against, the better you get. It’s so simple. It’s not just with cricket, it’s like that with any sport or any walk of life. Being with better people, you will definitely take things from them. I think there is definitely a benefit to playing against the bigger nations. We would love to do more in the future.

7. You have played U19 cricket for the UAE and a phenomenon has been noticed that many young players are now part of the UAE set-up. What are the things that the Emirates board is currently working on to bring about this revolution?

I think there is a lot of good talent being nurtured right now. For example, you can see the average age of the team – what it was four or five years ago, like I was the youngest player in the team, but now you have 17-year-olds playing for the team. So it’s definitely a good sign because these are the players who will serve the team for the next 10-15 years. We are definitely in a good space looking forward.

8. To whom would you like to give the most credit for the success you have enjoyed so far?

When I started playing cricket, my father was my first coach. He deserves a lot of credit. My mother – family is very important for any cricketer and you know when you have that kind of support and when they say ‘Jao Beta Khel Lo’ (Go and play son) you know. They always support you. So I think I’ve always been lucky with that. I was fortunate enough to train under Umesh Patwal sir in Bombay. He is my personal pusher coach and I have spent a lot of time with him. Whenever we can, I go to India or he comes to Dubai. So there is definitely a big difference. Robin sir has been in Dubai for the past year. The amount of knowledge and experience he brings is unmatched. After playing for India and now moving to a big franchise like Mumbai Indians. I’m learning from him and he’s there, I think the team is really developing and on a good path.

9. You were part of the IPL and shared the dressing room with the likes of Suresh Raina, Aaron Finch and many other legends of the game. What was your biggest learning on the trip?

The way they work, the way they operate in the nets, they’re so positive and I think that’s the key because in cricket you’re doomed. You will never see the same guy do well in 10 games. I think it’s very important (to know) how to deal with failure, pressure and things like that. These are things I’ve learned from these guys. The way they go game after game, just doing what they know, believing in themselves and following their routine. I think that’s very important to learn as a young cricketer and I think that’s really helped me over the last few years.

10. Do you still follow IPL?

Yes of course. I want to play in the IPL and definitely it is the biggest league and there is no doubt about it. You know the kind of fan following and the love there is for the game in India and I think it’s amazing to be a part of such a tournament.

11. Do you have a favorite IPL team?

I don’t have a favorite team. Whoever picks me is my favorite team.

12. As a striker, what is your take on the Charlie Dean-Deepti Sharma saga?

I think we should be allowed to start in full (laughs). Everyone has their own opinion. Of course you don’t want to be too obvious, but it’s a batsman’s game now and we have to support others (laughs).

13. Coming back to the T20 World Cup, which teams do you think will start as favorites to win the trophy?

The top three for me are always India, Australia and England. In white ball cricket these teams are extremely, extremely dominant and powerful. Under those conditions, what we’ve seen so far, I think it will suit these teams. You have New Zealand, South Africa, Sri Lanka – who are in really good form at the moment. It is like a second home for Sri Lankans. There are so many Sri Lankans in Australia, I think they feel at home here. You never know in these kind of tournaments. We are here to perform, we are here to win games.

14. Any message for the fans ahead of the T20 World Cup?

Thank you very much for supporting us. In the UAE, we have people from all over the world. When we had the Bangladesh match, there were so many fans who came and supported the team, but they live in the UAE, so they also supported the UAE. We have fans from all over the world and we feel at home wherever we go. This is the beauty of cricket in the UAE and we will continue to grow and make you proud.