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Exclusive Interview with Mahesh Rawat

Mahesh Rawat, the young Rajasthan Royals wicketkeeper shares his excitement of qualifying in the finals of the first edition of the DLF Indian Premier League (IPL). And he also throws light upon his career and how lessons from teammate and Pakistan international wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal have been useful.

Mahesh, your's is the first team to enter the finals of the IPL. How are you feeling and how is the team taking this win?
After the first game our combination gelled in very well and we started performing as a unit. It's all about the combination in T20 and we worked hard at it. And as you see it, we are the first team to reach the finals.

It's a thumping win and you are the only team that has beaten every team, so clearly you are the best team in the tournament...
It's the effort of all the players in the team; everyone has worked hard for this achievement. Even the coaching staff has done a great work.

The IPL must have been a good experience for you. All the excitement must have got you all thumping and ready to play this format of the game?
Yes, the experience is really good. I'm happy that the IPL has given a chance for us young guys to flourish and I feel that's the best thing.

When you play well, you get noticed. So how is this journey going to help your own career in cricket?
Yes, but I haven't really performed that good. So I would like to improve my performance in the future and get more opportunities to play in bigger leagues.

You've played under Shane Warne, one of the best cricketing brains in the world. Share with us what that experience has been like.
He is simply the best and it's great to get a chance to play under him. And it's the greatest dream of my life that has come true.

Do you feel you have improved as a keeper and batsman?
Certainly I have.

And you also must have learned a lot from Kamran Akmal as well?
Of course! Also, I have trained with the director of coaching. I have had good practice sessions from them am sure it will be helpful in my career.