Vikram Solanki (Worcestershire)
Worcestershire captain Vikram Solanki steered his side to promotion in both the Liverpool Victoria County Championship and the NatWest Pro40 League in 2006. Here, he shares his thoughts on last season’s success and looks forward to 2007.
How was last season for you?
It was great to be honest – Worcestershire in general have played very good cricket throughout the year. But there came a stage around a week before the end of the season where we had lost to Surrey, and thought that might be that. We had played very well throughout the year and but were going to have nothing to show for it. Then in that last week it was fantastic really – Somerset did us a favour by beating Surrey which meant that we had automatic promotion in the Pro40. And then we went to Northants in the championship knowing Essex were ahead of us, thinking ‘all we can do is try our best to win’ and as it turned out we suddenly had two promotions. So it worked out perfectly.
Were you happy with your own contribution this summer?
Yeah – I was happy with my form and how I’ve been hitting them. There was a slight change of position in where I was batting – I was number three in the order. In any other side that might be just two positions different, but when you are taking over that position from a gentleman called Graeme Hick it’s a bit different – the change meant him moving down to five. But I think he enjoyed it - he’s seen it as something new for him and he’s had a fantastic year and also been very supportive in every way, shape and form. As he has throughout my career.
So it’s all set up for an exciting season next year then?
Yeah, it’s the first time since the two division system that we have been in division one in both competitions. That’s great really, and is where you want to be. We have a reasonable squad and have played good cricket in both one-day and four-day cricket. We’ve not quite performed in the Twenty20 competition – but there is no reason why we can’t be a force in that as well as we certainly have players who can be very destructive.
Do you think there has been a difference in the standard between the first and second division since its inception in 2000?
I don’t think I do entirely. Surrey and ourselves were promoted this year, and then you have Essex who won the Pro40 in Div one but were competing in div two for the championship. I think if you took the likes of those three clubs, I would assume that we would be competing similarly in division one. Certain clubs obviously do have bad years but will bounce back from that and with this system they certainly have an incentive the following year. So I’m sure the clubs that haven’t played too well will bounce back well.
How will you be spending this winter?
I’m taking on a really interesting proposition of playing some first-class cricket in India for Rajasthan along with Kabir (Ali). It’s not something that is involving the whole of the winter so there will be some downtime which is important. We have had a busy season – county schedules are fairly strenuous. But it gives us an opportunity to experience first-class cricket which will be fantastic. Playing in New Zealand, Australia and South Africa which a lot of guys do is great, but is quite similar to playing in England. The whole cultural aspect is not really a major issue to me but the conditions are. I’ve toured India once and it is quite a unique place to play.
And finally, you have been awarded a benefit for next year. How did you feel when you were told?
When it was first mentioned I had to take a step back and think ‘have I been around for so long that I’ve been awarded a benefit!’ It is an honour for the club to feel that they would reward me with a benefit in 2007. By all accounts, in the initial stages, it is going to be hard work, but I am really looking forward to it. Hopefully we can work hard both on and off the field.
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