Dubai: Former Indian opener Krishnamachari Srikkanth, the mentor of Sunrisers Hyderabad team, feels that the Indian Premier League (IPL) has helped his country’s players to catch the attention of the national selectors.

Srikkanth, once the chairman of the selection committee himself, told Gulf News: “IPL gives you an opportunity to showcase your talent. Of course, India’s domestic tournaments like Ranji Trophy, Duleep Trophy and Irani Trophy helps one to get into the national team, but the Twenty 20 angle IPL gives a direct entry into the Indian team. From an overall picture, IPL gives a direction and an opening for players and also give selectors an opportunity to watch their skills. It’s a window to show a cricketer’s skills.”

Srikkanth returns to Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Tuesday where he once enthralled fans with his whirlwind knocks during his playing days.

“I will never forget the last-ball six by Javed Miandad off Chetan Sharma,” said Srikkanth. “Though we lost the match to Pakistan, it was one of the greatest matches I have ever played. It was an Austral-Asia Cup final and those moments live with me even now. My best knock was the century against West Indies against an attack led by Curtly Ambrose.”

His hurricane 112 off 113 balls (with 10 boundaries and five sixes) in the first match of the Champions Trophy in October 1988 is still fresh in the memory of Sharjah old-timers. The West Indies attack was made up of Courtney Walsh, Patrick Patterson, Winston Benjamin, Roger Harper and Carl Hooper.

Had Srikkanth plied his trade today he would have been an automatic choice for Twenty20 cricket as he enjoyed thrashing bowling attacks.

“My job now is to inspire the players,” he said. “I am sure as long as I can motivate them, give them the right support, they will go out and do well. Upcoming players need a lot of support. From a team strategy what we should be doing and what we should not be doing and how to approach the game is very important.”

Backing Srikkanth is V V S Laxman as another mentor of the team. “Laxman and I do the job of mentors,” Srikkanth. “He takes one portion and I take another portion. It is all about how to succeed and how to manage Twenty20 cricket pressures.”

Srikkanth is confident about his side, despite them starting with a loss. “I feel we have a very strong side,” he said. “Our top order is very strong. We are one of the best bowling sides. From last year to this year the framework of the team has changed and the strength of team too has changed. After bringing in Aaron Finch, we now have Shikhar Dhawan, David Warner at the top and Darren Sammy already in the middle and then we have Dale Steyn, Amit Mishra, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Ishant Sharma.”