His diminutive frame belies Kedar Jadhav’s ability to execute big shots, which he plays with ease. Part of the Delhi Daredevils, the wicketkeeper-batsman confesses that he loves the white-ball game. However, in the recently concluded Indian domestic season, he excelled in the longer format as well. Playing for Maharashtra, he finished at the top of the run-getters list in the multi-day format. Now, as he looks to build on those domestic performances during the Pepsi Indian Premier League 2014, Jadhav is keen to pick pointers from DD coach Gary Kirsten in the weeks to come. In an interview with iplt20.com during the league phase of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Jadhav spoke about the influence of the Daredevils and the confidence boost he's got as a result of getting picked up in the probables squad ahead of Champions Trophy 2013. Excerpts from his interview: What has been your strategy while switching gears across formats? The one-day and T20 formats suit me more because I like to play my shots every delivery that I face. The white-ball game comes naturally to me. Even while scoring the 1223 runs that I scored during the Ranji Trophy 2013-14, my strike-rate was 87.35 (11 matches,17 innings). The difference was in the ball and the field positions. In T20, the field is more spread out, while there (in the longer format) fielders are more closer to the bat. There has not been a big difference in my strike-rate. Do you feel you are a more well-rounded player now? Yes! Actually, with age, I have more experience and I play with a mature head, and that helps. Earlier, I would play a lot of shots at the start of the innings, but now I take my time, and that helps in playing a long innings. What are the changes that you have to make when there is a change in your batting position? It is difficult, mentally, to switch positions. But in the modern age, you have to get used to doing that. In the IPL, I bat lower down the order. Now, it is part of the routine to switch on and off for playing at different positions. Definitely, there is a difference when you go out to bat later in the innings. And hitting big shots later is not always possible because I am more of stroke player and not a big hitter of the ball, so I need time. The more time I get, the better it is. How have you been grooming your batting over the years and how do you prepare? I have changed the way I practice a bit. Earlier, I only practiced my strokes. But for the last couple of years, I have been working on my technique and my stride forward. I am also looking to leave the good ball and maintaining a perfect body balance while batting to ensure that I can hit the big shots. What has helped you? Being included in the probables squad for the Champions Trophy gave me a lot of confidence since it meant that I was close to playing for India. After that, it is up to me and I have to prove that I am worthy of playing for India. And so, I have to score runs. It gave me the confidence that I could do well at any stage. How did it feel when DD used the 'Right to Match' card for you? It shows that they have faith in me. Because I have done well in the past for them, they back me. When the team management backs you, you know before entering the ground that whatever happens, your team and support staff is with you. And then, you give your full effort. What has it meant for you to be part of a team and bat alongside the likes of former Delhi Daredevil Virender Sehwag? When Viru Paa was batting with me, there was a kind of self-belief. Seeing how easily he bats, helped me. One always wants to bat like him, but it is not possible. However, if you can learn even a bit from him, it helps. Having played with such senior and big players gives me confidence while going in to bat even in first-class cricket. The one thing that I have learned from all of them is that they always talk about playing your natural game at any stage. Whatever the situation might be, you have to back yourself, and that’s the most important thing I have learnt from them. What was your interaction with Sir Vivian Richards and what did you learn from him? Obviously, he is one of the greatest players of the game. Off the field and on the field, there wasn’t much difference in his personality. He was friendly and would mingle easily. And when a person of his stature puts an arm around your shoulder and chats with you, it gives you a lot of confidence. His presence has helped me. When he would say to me, ‘You are so small, but you hit the ball so far.' Even I wasn’t hitting the ball that far but that would boost my self-esteem. He did not give me any suggestions in terms of technique. But he did explain the importance of balance while batting and told me how vital it is to have the perfect weight balance while attempting big shots. In the forthcoming season, you will get an opportunity to work with Gary Kirsten. What do you hope to learn from him? I am very excited to play under him. He was the coach of the Indian team when we won the World Cup. I will try to spend as much time as possible with him and learn from him as much as I can. When they picked me up again at the auction, he messaged me, ‘You have done well this season and hope that you continue this form.’ Despite being such a big coach and player himself, he nurtures players around him in a friendly atmosphere, which helps. What the support staff can give you from outside the field is confidence, and in DD you get that. What areas do you want to work on with him? I want to improve my game in the middle overs and for that I have to do a lot of sessions with him. What are your expectations from IPL 2014? I want to contribute as much as I can towards team wins in whatever role I get.