He opened the bowling, got the big fish in Martin Guptill for a duck, and derailed the LA Knight Riders’ innings. In the post-match press-conference, Karnataka-bred Nosthush Kenjige answers a whole range of questions posed to him. Excerpts .. 

Thoughts on finally having a cricket league in the USA

It’s been unreal to get the tournament started. We were looking forward to it for the last one-two years and to have such good teams and such good managements, it feels unreal. To have such good cricketers playing here, this is what we wanted from the USA cricket point of view. Couldn’t have asked for more. 

On having to open the bowling

When I was told that I would be playing today, I knew I would bowl in the powerplay. However, I wasn’t sure which over I’d bowl. But when you have a captain who has played so many games all around the world, you need to be ready. I trusted his plans and just did my part for the team. 

When did he get the message?

I didn’t play the first game and we didn’t do well. I was excited. It was a responsibility. It feels unreal because my family and friends are here. I was told last night that I would be playing but they didn’t confirm it. 

Impact of the MLC on the local USA players

There is a lot of responsibility on the local guys. A lot of kids look up to us, they see us practice and they want to play for the country. On seeing us play with the superstars of the game motivates them more. It is a responsibility for us to do the right things even when nobody is looking. 

Thoughts on the MI NY development structure

It’s been six days since we joined together as a team. On the first day itself there were values laid down which said what we were looking forward to do in the tournament. One or two points that resonated with the cricketers, was becoming better players and winning the trophy. The development part is a huge factor too. Having Pollard, Tim David, Boult, Rabada, just being around them and seeing how they go about their preparations, seeing how they read the situations of the game, learning from them, being in the same dressing room, is really helpful. You cannot ask for anything more as a cricketer. Until now you’ve just seen it on TV. 

On adjusting from ODI to T20 cricket after the World Cup qualifiers 

I think it is more of the mindset for the bowlers. In 50-over cricket it is more over to over. Here is it ball to ball, because it moves so quickly. This is just our first win, we have a long way to go, and hopefully we will be able to carry on with our momentum. 

On going to Carolina for the next leg

We are definitely looking forward to going to Carolina. It has been a big base where we have enjoyed good support for USA. There are passionate fans there and they will come out in big numbers. Excited to go there and them come back to Dallas after that. 

On sending out a message to the national selectors 

It is just about what I can do with the bat, ball and on the field. It is best to leave performances on the field and I know I will get an opportunity and I just have to be ready for it.