‘IPL is not about SRK or me’

Your IPL team has made it to the semi-finals.

Well, there were ups and downs when our team started out and I wasn’t sure where we were heading. I used to wonder what I was doing at the initial IPL meetings. So, I took the matter seriously and did my homework. I came out a winner finally. It feels good as I've worked very hard to get here.

You seemed to be cheering Sachin Tendulkar even though he was in the opposite team…

Yes, I was. For me, it’s not about winning only. Both the teams played extremely well on Wednesday. I was so much on the edge of my seat that I nearly toppled over.

Did you brief Sreesanth about keeping his temper in control?

No, I don't instruct anybody. It's not my job. We have a coach and a captain to do that. I don't think it is right for me to intervene during matches.

You're the first woman from the entertainment business to have forayed into sports in such a big way...

Am I? Let's see where we are headed. If my team wins the Cup, then I can proudly say yes, I've done it. It hasn't been easy. I have put in a lot of effort to get players from different countries together, it signifies true sportsmanship. Looking back, I don't know how we managed to do it. Now, when we've made it to the semi-finals, what we really want is the Cup.

Have you personally gained from the whole experience?

I've learnt a lot about cricket. I feel very nervous during the matches though. Our team has had a good overall performance. I’m proud of them. Yuvraj has been an outstanding captain.

The general consensus is that Ness and you managed to get the best IPL team…

We have the most balanced team. We also wanted a young and India-heavy team. People think that we have a glamorous team. But, our prerequisite was talent and the glamour is just an add-on element.

What is it like to have Shah Rukh Khan as a competitor?

I don't see him as competition. He’s a colleague and a dear friend. IPL is not about Shah Rukh or me. We are not playing on the field anyway.