Bairstow: It's Great To Bat With Warner But Ignore That Hug!

Chetan Narula talks to a batsman who is making a name for himself in the IPL about his opening partnership with a Test rival and the upcoming World Cup

In his first outing at the Indian Premier League, England’s Jonny Bairstow has impressed hugely withSunrisers Hyderabad with his partnership with Australia’s David Warner being talk of the town.

Here, he discusses all things related to his foray into the IPL, among other things.

How does it feel to be part of the IPL?

JB: It’s a fantastic experience. I’m proud to be part of the IPL and soak up this experience. Playing in front of such huge crowds and various opponents, big names in my team and the opposition, coaching staff here at Sunrisers Hyderabad, everything has just been great so far.

It’s a totally different set-up to what you have experienced before so how have you adapted to that?

JB: I’ve played in India a few times before, so we know that the crowds are fantastic. They can be fanatical at times, and it’s just wonderful to be around them, and indeed play in front of them. They have their heroes and their knowledge of cricket is great.

No matter where you go and who you play against, there are always local heroes. It’s a cricketing culture here and almost a religion. Whether you’re playing or just driving to practice you just see it in streets where kids are playing cricket in any space they can find. It’s been great so far and I hope this develops into something that keeps going. I’m looking forward to that part of the journey as well.

There was a bidding war in the auction for you between Hyderabad and Kings XI Punjab. Were you watching and what were your thoughts then?