February 25, New Delhi Aditya Sarwate’s clever left-arm spin bowling and practical right-handed batting have been crucial to Vidarbha’s Ranji Trophy victories in 2017–18 and 2018–19 since his first-class debut in October 2015.

Sarwate is returning to his fourth final of this esteemed first-class game after finishing second for Vidarbha against Mumbai in the Ranji Trophy final last year. But this time, he will play for Kerala versus Vidarbha in the Ranji Trophy final, which starts on February 26 in Nagpur.

Following small first-inning leads in the quarterfinals and semi-finals, Sarwate spoke exclusively to IANS ahead of Kerala’s maiden Ranji Trophy final about the impending title match, what motivates him, and the importance of a championship victory for his side.

What emotions are you experiencing before facing a team you have played for for ten years in this Ranji Trophy final?

A. I can’t wait to play. I’ve now advanced to my fourth Ranji Trophy final. Before relocating to Kerala, I spent ten years playing for this squad. Since this was my home field for a long time, I have conflicting emotions and find it a little odd.

However, I’m looking forward to and thrilled for the final. I have some knowledge of it since I have played a lot of cricket here. Therefore, all I can do is advise them on the circumstances and the course of the wicket.

Could you explain how you came through on the last day to limit Gujarat to 455 and give Kerala the vital lead of two runs in the first innings?

A. In actuality, the bowlers didn’t benefit much from the wicket there. The day before, I wasn’t doing well either. My senior bowling companion, Jalaj Saxena, was bowling very well. Somewhere along the line, I decided to do my part for my team. I just trusted God to handle the rest and supported myself and my journey.

Therefore, I suppose I might claim that God assisted us in reaching the final by a little act of supernatural intervention. Everyone was ecstatic after that as it seemed like they may grab the lead with only two runs and one wicket. We qualified for the final for the first time, so everyone was thrilled when the last wicket fell, especially in the semi-finals. Yes, we were very pleased and proud of our group.

How has it been for you to bowl with a legendary figure in domestic cricket like Jalaj Saxena?

A. With more than 7,000 runs and more than 450 wickets, he is a legend in the domestic cricket scene, so the experience has been incredible. He thus has a lot to teach us. I question him a lot about pitch conditions and match circumstances.

When I’m around him, he feels like a brother. I’ve never gone bowling with him before, but it’s been a lot of fun, and I consider it an honor to be in the same dressing room with him.

Could you describe this Kerala team’s experience making it to their first Ranji Trophy final?

A. I believe we have a youthful aspect. Because there were many strong teams in the group stage, the path from the league stage to the final is akin to a fairy tale. Kerala has had a very successful season in order to advance from there and make it to the final.

Playing in the final will also teach the next generation of kids valuable skills, such as how to cope with the pressure of performing on the largest platform. Despite our excitement and joy, we still have a match to play. We want to win the fight, and we are looking forward to it.

What effect has head coach Amay Khurasiya had on this Kerala squad?

A. His influence on this squad is so obvious that I don’t really need to discuss it much given the way he has been. I think this is his first time guiding a team in the Ranji Trophy, and he has now advanced Kerala to the championship game for the first time.

Because he has played for India and was a major player throughout his playing period, his experience has been tremendously beneficial. He has been a major source of inspiration for the kids, and his efforts have paid off handsomely.

Hard effort and all of that were lacking in Kerala, but he arrived and significantly altered the situation. He has been a huge help to me, and the kids have benefited from his guidance on how to deal with circumstances on both a mental and physical level. I have thus had a great time playing under him.

What do you believe will be the key to your success in the final, and how do you perceive your season so far?

A. I have to admit that I don’t think my season has gone very well since I feel like I haven’t accomplished as much this year as I have in previous years when compared to the benchmark I’ve set.

In any case, the team has performed well thanks to their united efforts, and I am thrilled for them all. However, I have a feeling that this is the last game, so I want to use all I’ve learned to help Kerala. Right now, this is what motivates me.

What has inspired and motivated you to continue playing competitive cricket?

A. I believe that the excitement and desire I receive from playing competitive cricket is what motivates me. That is still something I have. Every day I look forward to playing cricket. I am aware that my age prevents me from receiving a national call-up. However, it is what drives me to play competitive cricket.

This season, I joined a new team in Kerala. I thus want to use my performances and experiences to advance that squad. My inspiration and driving force is my desire for the Kerala squad to be acknowledged on the global scene.

Although I read a lot of books, I don’t read any books that are specifically on self-motivation. Although I can read anything, I like to read about history. However, I do meditate. It provides me with the necessary serenity and focus. That helps me a lot, especially when it comes to mentally preparing for each game I play.

Q. Has the Kerala environment allowed you to study and communicate in Malayalam?

A. It’s been very challenging to comprehend. I can grasp a few words, but their language is very hard for me to understand. Jalaj Saxena, for instance, has been with the Kerala squad for more than a decade, but he hasn’t been able to comprehend much of it.

I have only been here for one season, so mujhe toh sirf ek hi season hua hai. Therefore, I haven’t been able to comprehend the language at this time. Since few staff members speak Hindi, we mostly communicate in English. We converse in English, so it’s not a major issue.

If you were to win the Ranji Trophy in the end, what would it mean for you and the Kerala team?

A. Since the Ranji Trophy is the most difficult tournament in cricket, winning it is every player’s goal. You have to be at the top of the 38 teams that are competing. Therefore, it is not a simple process.

In addition to helping the young players get noticed by national selectors, I believe that winning the trophy would greatly benefit Kerala cricket. It is hoped that their performances would be acknowledged and they will be selected for the Duleep Trophy and India A matches.