Goswami raring to go

Rajasthan Royals wicket-keeper Shreevats Goswami hoped to relish the ‘home conditions’ when they take on Kolkata Knight Riders in their IPL V fixture here on Friday. 

The diminutive Bengal wicket-keeper batsman, who also had a stint with the Kolkata franchise, said he was happy to share his Knight Riders experience with his Royals team-mates. 

“I am very hopeful of my performance. I am used to the conditions. It’s like when in Mumbai, Ajinkya (Rahane) tells us about the conditions there. I’m happy to share my experience with the teammates,” he said. “I know their gameplan, the conditions etc. Eden is always a bit slow and has turn. I don’t think we can expect anything better,” he added. 

Goswami said he was lucky to play under Dravid. “I’m happy to be back with Royals. Dravid is a great person and very approachable. He gives space to every cricketers. A lot of people say he doesnt talk much but he gives space to the players,” he said. 

Asked about their decision to field after winning the toss in Mumbai, Goswami said the home side changed the track at the last moment. “They were rolling the other track and we got to know that they changed the track later on (without informing us). We were expecting the ball to turn, that’s why we wanted to chase,” he said. 

A Mumbai Cricket Association official, however, said it’s the curator and the host association who take a call on the pitch.  

“The home franchise does not have a say in this  as per the tournament rules.”