Devendra Bundela’s name has been synonymous with Madhya Pradesh cricket for more than a decade. From a teenager who shifted base to Indore to pursue his love for the game, to a senior statesman in the team, the batsman has played a long and successful innings for his state and counting.
It’s been almost 20 years at the senior level since his first-class debut in the 1995-96 season that Bundela or Bundi bhai as he is affectionately known in the cricket circles has seen the game and the domestic circuit in India evolve. With over 8000 runs in the Ranji Trophy at a healthy average of around 46, he has guided the team and helped the younger generation make an impression in the circuit.
As Madya Pradesh sealed a berth in the quarter-finals in the ongoing season, Bundela spoke to BCCI.TV about the progress made by his team and the transformations he has seen in domestic cricket.
Excerpts from the interview:
How do you look back on the season after qualifying for the knock-outs?
It has been a good season. We worked really hard. Winning three matches outright has helped the team reach the quarter-finals. Everyone has contributed to the team’s success and we would be looking forward making it to the finals.
We clicked at the right time, but we were slightly in trouble after losing to Mumbai and needed to get the bonus point from the last match (which helped the team qualify on the basis of Net Run Rate). However, our plans worked out well and we could do that. Everyone performed well; the bowlers did their job which was very important.
How has Madhya Pradesh cricket evolved?
Cricket in Madhya Pradesh has come a long way. We have some very good players in our ranks. Earlier, we would play on turning tracks and that too has changed. We play on green tracks now and have produced good pace bowlers so there have been changes on that front too. We have Sanjay Pandey, Ishwar Pandey and then Puneet Datey too has come in.
Players from Madhya Pradesh have gone on to play the next level (international cricket) as well. Naman Ojha and Ishwar Pandey have represented the country. Jalaj Saxena is doing well so that’s a good (prospect) and a very positive sign that players from Madhya Pradesh are doing well and getting noticed for their performance. They are getting the opportunity to play for the country and there are a few (waiting to make an impression and get an opportunity to play at the higher level) who are doing well for the state team. Among the newer lot of players we have Aditya Shrivastava, Rajat Patidar, who is batting well. We also have a all-rounder in Datey, so it has been good. There are changes and good changes.
Can you tell us about your role in guiding and grooming the youngsters?
I have been leading the team since 2000, so it is been six years now. Our coach, selectors and I as captain work in tandem to groom the players. When we see talent we promote it, and we look to instil confidence in the players. The association too has played a role in building young cricketers. All this has made a difference.
Our coaches and even former coaches like Sanjay Jagadale, our coach Sahani, Harvinder Sodhi, Narendra Hiwarni and Amay Khurasia; we are a team and we work with the players. We have one-on-one talks with them and we work on building their confidence. We share our experience to help them anticipate and understand various match situations as we guide them. The advantage is that our experience helps them when they are in a difficult situation in the match. When they have any doubts or queries they are always welcome to ask. This also helps and maintains a healthy atmosphere.
How do you see the transformation of the game since playing age-group cricket to the ongoing season of Ranji Trophy?
The journey has been wonderful! I have seen a lot of changes in cricket in India, in the domestic circuit. It is a positive change. I have played with two generations so I see a visible difference. In the last few years there have seen a lot of changes in the wickets amongst other things in domestic cricket, which is good. Earlier, we would play on spinning tracks and now for the last six-seven years, we have started playing on bouncy and fast pitches; things have changed and improved over the years in India.
What are the prerequisites to playing in the four-day format?
Multi-day cricket is a best format because it tests your patience and skill. It requires a lot of patience. You have to pay attention to the basics of the game and work on them. We try to work and improve the basics of the player because if the base (foundation) is good, if the technique is good and if you are mentally prepared then you will be able to perform better in multi-day cricket. I have always focused on the basics, strengthening it and technique.
When we are discussing this with the youngsters, I do tell them to play positively and play positive strokes, but tell them to be careful with shot selection. I also tell them to always keep the situation in mind, take the wicket into account as well. If you bear these in mind it makes a lot of difference (to the innings and your cricket).
How do you explain the art of staying at the crease?
If you want to score runs then you have to play a good number of balls. You will have one inning where you score a century in 70-80 balls, but rest of the time you will need to play 150-200 balls to get there. My plan is to get set, get the measure of the bowler. Then as I gradually settle in and as my confidence increases, I develop my innings which is what most batsmen do in the multi-day format.
How different are present day U19 cricketers?
It is a given that there will be changes with every generation, however, the basics of the game will always remain the same. The youngsters have started playing more shots; players are more positive in their game. But to succeed as a batsman you have to (bide your time and assess the situation) get set in the middle; that aspect still remains the same.
Has the gap between U19 and senior cricket reduced in the last few years?
Yes it has reduced. The kind of technology and coaching that they (the youngsters) get has helped reduced the gap. BCCI has made an effort for preparation and development. There are coaches for all teams and for district cricket that makes a difference. Kids are getting a good atmosphere to play in. The level of coaching, practice wickets and the technology - the videos that are available and paraphernalia like that has benefitted the youngsters and helps them adapt far more quickly to different levels and situations in cricket.
While these things make a difference it also depends from person to person. People will put in an effort if they want to play. They will give their hundred percent to improve and get better. Self-assessment is also very important if you want to improve.
What has it meant to represent MP for so many years?
Playing for MP has meant a lot to me. It means a lot for me that our cricket improves and if I can contribute to it, if my experience can help I want to do whatever I can so that MP cricket can be recognised.
How do you keep motivating yourself?
You always want to do well in every match so you keep up the fitness, patience and preparation. The motivation is that I want to do well for my state.
Which are the innings that have stood out for you in your long career?
Against Mumbai in 2003-04, I scored an unbeaten century (139*) and then last season a century in Chennai against Tamil Nadu on a turning track was important. Both those innings are memorable. Other than that, any innings that helps the team’s cause, even if it is a 70-run knock it feels good.
