Parupalli Kashyap may have been senior to K Srikanth but the Hyderabadi will play as India’s second singles player in the upcoming Thomas Cup because his position in the world ranking is below to Srikanth.
However, Kashyap knows his responsibility and wants to guide all the other youngsters in the team. “I would love to have that kind of responsibility and when I played Thomas Cup for the 1st time, there were lot of senior player in the team. And yeah I felt senior players have to take responsibility because there are players playing for the 1sttime and it’s a different platform from what they usually play. Throughout the year, they play individual event but this is different kind of event and in team event, I believe team spirit and helping each other out and senior players taking responsibility is very important. And then surely you get a better result,” Kashyap told reporters on Saturday.
“It (home condition really gives a push. For me it does. If you are coming early and training and we are acclimatized with the conditions. Whatever it is, you feel home. You know, you have to do that. If you come at the same time as the other players, 2-3 days before the games, you can’t take advantage of the home conditions. Also, even the diet matters as we would be at home and will be getting homely food. So I think that is an advantage.
“Also the home support and in team event its different. The whole team is cheering for you to win the matches so that we qualify for the next round which usually doesn’t happen when you are playing tournaments as you are busy playing individually. Here every one stays back for your match and wants you to win. Sop its different. You need to approach it differently,” he added.
India are drawn in a group which also comprises Malaysia, Korea and Germany and Kashyap said the hosts are capable of qualifying for the knockout stage of the event, starting May 18, riding on the back of singles performance.