MS Dhoni is a man with simple thoughts: Hari Nishanth [Interview]

The state of Tamil Nadu has produced some splendid opening batters over the years who have represented India in different formats. One such recent name that has chimed in is that of Tamil Nadu batsman Hari Nishanth. Having said that, his journey has been full of ups and downs. But walking stoically through all the hurdles, the Tamil Nadu batter has been successful in turning many heads.

In India, it is not too long out of the cradle that a child reaches out to hold a bat. There is a cutthroat competition to make it to the highest level and consistent performances are the only way through which the players can cement their place in any side. Hari Nishanth thus toiled hard in the domestic circuit to make a name for himself and march the drum of the repertoire he possesses.

In the 2021 edition of the Syed Mushtaq Ali trophy, Nishanth exuded his flair for his team Tamil Nadu. In eight matches, he chipped in 246 runs at an average of 41.00 and strike rate of 119.41. He played a few impressive knocks of unbeaten 92 and 47 in the tournament and also played a crucial inning of 35 runs in the finals in Ahmedabad. Owing to his performances, the classy left-hander was roped in by Chennai Super Kings in IPL 2021 auction.

Hari Nishanth was the highest run-scorer of the recently concluded Tamil Nadu Premier League as well. He featured for the Dindigul Dragons in the tournament and smashed 368 runs at an average of 40.88 and strike rate of 131.89. Now with the second leg of the IPL in progress in the UAE, he is hopeful of getting a few games to play.

Nishant has played the role of top-order batter in the TNPL in an impressive fashion. Under the captaincy of MS Dhoni and the watch full eyes of coach Stephen Fleming, the batter will only arm his talent better. If he gets an opportunity to play in any game, he will be determined to make an impact for the Men in Yellow.

Ahead of the start of the UAE leg of the IPL, CricTracker caught up with the CSK batter  Hari Nishanth for a rapid-fire chit-chat.

Here are the excerpts:

What is your favorite food?

My favorite food would be Biryani.

The best moment of your career so far?

Obviously representing my state. And my second best is being selected for CSK and it’s a moment that I can cherish all the time.

Who is the laziest cricketer in Chennai Super Kings?

Narayan Jagadeesan. He always loves to sleep.

Three words to describe MS Dhoni

Man with simple thoughts and a simple guy.

What is the best format of cricket according to you?

I always loved to play red-ball cricket but according to me, T20 is my favorite game.

What is the best place to get Dosa in Chennai?

Saravana Bhavan

One weird habit of yours?

I skip gym sessions. That is a weird thing to do. But from now onwards I am developing that one into a good habit.

Who googles himself the most in the Tamil Nadu team?

Koushik Jagadeesan

Suresh Raina or Jadeja, who would win a race between them?

Obviously Jadeja.

Sam Curran Is…

Sam Curran is not a small guy, he is a mature guy.

One thing you hate doing but you still have to do in life?

I am doing my degree and it is the thing that is annoying me. But I am supposed to do that. I am doing it now.

 One record you would like to achieve?

In Test cricket, I want to get more than a double hundred.

One thing that angers you the most?

When I throw away my wicket.

Your celebrity crush?

I would probably name a current one, Kajal Aggarwal.

A place you would like to visit?

Australia

What is the best thing about Ooty?

Definitely the weather. It is a key factor over there. Apart from that, the place is very good. You can just have a peaceful day and night over there.

Two things nobody knows about Faf?

He always loves to get his bat ready. He is always doing taping and all to the bat. And another one is he does not gym often.

One thing you will like to steal from Virat Kohli?

Bat

The worst dancer in the Chennai Super Kings team is?

Sai Kishore

A bowler from the past you would like to face?

I always wondered about Shoaib Akhtar. So I want to face him if possible.