Rewarding season for Saxena

VADODARA: While Aakash Chopra and skipper Hrishikesh Kanitkar have hogged the limelight in lesser-known Rajasthan line-up, one man has used the lack of attention to his advantage and racked up a lot of runs this season.
He is none other than Rajasthan’s diminutive opener Vineet Saxena. The 30-year old has scored two centuries and a couple of fifties en route to his tally of 535 runs from just 10 innings prior to the final against Baroda.
His knock of 143 against Mumbai was particularly impressive as it not only knocked the holders out of the tournament but also gave Rajasthan the self belief of going all the way in the competition.
He followed the ton with a masterful 72 against Tamil Nadu in the semifinal, which also proved crucial as Rajasthan progressed to the final by virtue of their first-innings lead.
The journey, however, hasn't been easy and Saxena admits that the presence of stalwarts like Chopra and Kanitkar has been the major difference this season.
"Both Chopra and Kanitkar have had a positive effect on the team since they arrived. We all like batting around them and as a result we have been able to improve our game too," said Saxena.
Attention to detail is what separates the Margao-born batsman from the rest. Even when he is beaten at the nets by the likes of Pankaj Singh and Deepak Chahar, he admonishes himself and often discusses his technical deficiencies with the bowlers.
Something he also does quite often with fellow opener Chopra. "He has scored heavily in domestic cricket and there is so much to learn from him," he said.
"When we are out in the middle, I get a lot of advice from Chopra. He guides me through the innings and as a result we have been consistent with our partnerships."
Chopra's influence is apparent in Saxena's game this season. He is prepared to leave a lot more outside the off-stump and that's quite unusual for a batsman who loves to feel the ball on the bat.
"Yes, I have left a lot more this season. The pitches that we have played on have offered good help to the pacers and we have had to be more watchful. All I have focused on is negotiating the new ball and subsequently we have added a lot more in the last two sessions."
However, things are bound to get tougher next season as Rajasthan start their campaign in the Super League and it is certain that Saxena won't be able to escape the limelight any more.