Chirag shines with own mantra

Legends of Rupganj skipper Mashrafe Bin Mortaza has an eye on solidity and his teammate Chirag Jani has the skipper's approval when it comes to crunch situations. He finished the last Dhaka Premier League among top-five run scorers with the bat and at number three in the top wicket-takers' list.

Performance wise, this DPL, Chirag's third, is no different for the Indian all-rounder. He is in amongst the top two in the highest scorers' list and at sixth with the ball, and at 33, Chirag only wants to progress further.

"I enjoy playing here, it's my third time. I played for Brothers in my first year and then played for Rupganj for two seasons, so, I have a good idea about the conditions and the players," he told The Daily Star on his consistency.

Chirag knows the process he can maintain and Mashrafe earmarked him as one of those cricketers, who, not only in DPL but at the international level, is really adept at rotating strike.

"You have 300 deliveries and you need to take the game deep. You have to try to take singles so you won't feel the pressure. You will get a bad delivery after two-three overs and you need to take the opportunity," Chirag said regarding how he paces his innings. "Last year the wickets were a bit dicey but this season DPL wickets are improving."

His performances have flowed from winning the Ranji Trophy (Red-ball) and Vijay Hazare Trophy (one-day) this year. "We are Ranji champions this time and won two years before as well. Confidence is high after winning two trophies. It's true, I couldn't get ahead but I must maintain the process for better opportunities."

For Chirag, better opportunities may come internationally or in franchise cricket like IPL but it is the dream of playing at the international level that pushes Chirag the most. "Everyone hopes to play in the IPL but international remains my big aim before the IPL. I want to work hard and perform," he said.

He plays alongside Test stars Ravidra Jadeja and Cheteshwar Pujara in Saurashtra. In the Premier League, he plays against stars like Shakib Al Hasan. His confidence level certainly has been boosted.

"It's great fun to perform while playing with such international stars. It gives me extra motivation and also I ask them questions about match situations. I have that maturity which I didn't have before. I am playing freely which is fun. I have played against all players in Bangladesh and the white-ball cricket is very good compared to the international level. It feels good to dominate."

Asked on how Bangladesh may fare at the World Cup, he felt taking the game deep will work out for the Tigers.

"Sometimes they fall behind in pressure situations, especially with the bat. Liton [Das] is in great form and Shakib bhai is the best all-rounder. No need to think too much, just take the game deep and play freely as wickets would be similar [in India during the upcoming 50-over World Cup]."