With Varchas 2011 just a fortnight away, the excitement is getting closer and the anticipation larger, especially for the home teams to put in a solid performance and make a statement. The Varchas Blogging Club (VBC), caught up with Nishant Kejriwal, Captain, Volleyball team, to get a closer look on the team's preparation.
VBC: Hi Nishant. All set for Varchas 2011?
Nishant: Well, yes. Varchas is a huge festival for us, as it's our first sports festival here, and it's really close to our hearts. The nervousness is there, but so is the confidence.
VBC: What will be your team composition?
Nishant: Our regular team comprises of 20 players who practice all through the year. For the Inter IIT Camp, 15 players were selected. Twelve players formed the playing team. We will most probably go with the same composition that played in December.
VBC: How have you prepared for Varchas?
Nishant: Volleyball is a game which requires regular practice, as well as match practice. Practice gets us fitter, while matches greatly affect team chemistry. Also, maximum matches have to be played for greater exposure. Only then can we learn from our mistakes.
VBC: As Captain, what are your tactics for team selection?
Nishant: Volleyball is always about performance. If you perform, you're on the team. Initially, we needed tall players. Also, not many players play volleyball at the school level, so we need to generate a lot of interest in order to get a good team.
VBC: What are your strengths and weaknesses as a team?
Nishant: I think the spirit of the team is awesome. Suraj and Saurajit are brilliant and they really make a difference to the team. Also, there are some very talented players in the first year, so the team is growing and the flow of talent has not stopped. I think we are very lucky to have a team of this calibre from only three hundred students. Our weakness has been that we have not had the opportunity to play in front of our own students, so we do't know what the atmosphere will be like. I'm sure the crowd will back us all the way through. (Smiles)
VBC: What is the level of preparation?
Nishant: We have performed extremely well, everyone is very confident. We will reach the finals and we will win! (Grins)
VBC: What are your expectations for Varchas?
Nishant: As I said, we hope to win. Our biggest threat is probably DCE. We won three straight matches in the Inter-IIT. After defeating Kanpur 3-1, the team is on an all time high. We are probably on the peak of our form now. Let us see what happens.
VBC: You have performed well over the last season. Is there scope for improvement?
Nishant: There is definite scope for improvement. Next year, we will lose some players and will need to improve the team performance, We also need regular coaches in order to acquire better skills of the game.
VBC: What is your view on the facilities provided for Volleyball in Varchas?
Nishant: The equipment available is very good. The court is up to the mark.
VBC: Finally, any message for the IITJ junta?
Nishant: The Volleyball team has been performing well ever since the very first year of the establishment of IITJ. I will be leaving captaincy soon and I wish the best for the team and I hope it continues to achieve greater heights!
VBC: Okay, all the best!
Nishant : Thanks a lot!
