#TFGinterview: Coaching a new role for me; will help Chennai win the tile, says Arun Vishnu

ARUN VISHNU will be seen in a new role in the second season of Premier Badminton League. He will be coaching the Chennai Smashers team. This is the first time that Arun will be seen coaching at this level.

When asked how did this role come to him he said,

"I was asked by Gopi sir to help the Chennai team as a coach and he asked me to be present for the auction which I was and well that's how I was appointed (smiles)."

He further added,

"I've been coaching for about 5-6 months now at national camps and at the academy so I'm very much new to the role."

Chennai Smashers look like a solid and balanced team with strengths in all their departments. Arun too agrees on the same and said that coaching the team wouldn't be very difficult as he knows the players well,

"Most of the shuttlers are from the academy itself so more than a coach, I would be like their friend. As for the foreign shuttlers, I know them as we've met while I played in international tournaments. Also they are all professionals and top level players so managing them should not be a problem."

Talking about having both Chris and Gabrielle Adcock in the team, Arun said,

"Actually we retained Sindhu and Chris and wanted a partner for the latter so he could play the mixed doubles. We really have no idea as to why nobody showed interest in Gabby (Gabrielle) and we just got lucky to have her in our team."

"Compared to other mixed doubles pairs in the league, I think they are more experienced and hopefully they do well. If the combination of Chris/Gabrielle and Sindhu goes well, it will immensely help in the team's success."

Sindhu was the star player for Chennai in the first season and more will be expected from her after a tremendous run in 2016. Happy to have retained her, coach Arun said,

"As she keeps playing, her level of confidence increases and I think the way she played in Rio Olympics, winning the Silver has really boosted her performance. She is playing at another level now. I think she can do even better and the best is yet to come for her. And hopefully she will reach her target of becoming World No. 1 soon."

Chennai have two of the players who was part of Delhi Acers last season, Gabrielle and Tommy Sugiarto. When asked if they had plans to hound the defending champions, breaking into laughter, he said,

"Well we didn't look at it from that angle. We just wanted the best for our team and we are happy with what we have."

Arun's better half Arundhati Pantawane is also part of the team, so when asked will she be in action? He replied,

"Not really if Sindhu is playing then there is little chance for Arundhati to step up. Sindhu will definitely be playing the singles event."

Will we see Arun and Arundhati playing together at international tournaments?

"(Laughs) No, I don't think so because I guess I will concentrate more on coaching now."  

The new coach also emphasised on how PBL has helped badminton in India,  

"I think most of the experienced that the shuttlers have gained came from the previous editions of badminton league (Indian badminton league and PBL) that was conducted. Playing alongside international players is always a learning period. It is a great time to learn how to train and get better at your game. I think if you see Sikki (Reddy) (Pranaav) Jerry and in singles, Sameer, they were all part of PBL last season and their growth since then speaks volumes. "

Talking about Sikki/Pranaav's growth, he said,

"They have been playing really well, winning the Grand Prix titles are not easy and they are already World No. 15, of course they can do much better."

He further added,

"We actually wanted Sikki in our team but if we take her and she doesn't get much game time then it wouldn't be good for her."

Sharing his thoughts about the team as a whole, he said,

"We are a balanced team and I think we are strong in all the departments and in this new scoring system we can't say much. On that given day whoever gives his/her best will emerge victorious. Also important factor would be how we use the trump match."

PBL 2 has new points system, 11 points each game.

"It will be a challenge but it is same for everyone so I guess it will interesting to see how it goes."

Though Chennai are a balanced team, other teams in the league do have strengths. When asked if any teams pose a threat, he said,

"Don't want to name any teams in specific, all teams equally tough. We just want to give our best and go for the title."

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