NEW DELHI: Adam Gilchrist is a man who knows what it takes to succeed in the Indian Premier League. After a horror inaugural season with the Deccan Chargers in 2008, he turned the side around when the IPL shifted shores to South Africa next year guiding the team all the way to the title.
Even at the age of 39 - three years after hanging up his boots in international cricket - he remains a prize catch for any IPL team. No wonder the Kings XI Punjab team splurged out $900,000 in the IPL auction in January and didn't waste any time in appointing him the skipper of the team for the fourth season which gets underway on Friday.
Gilchrist speaks to TOI about the opportunity of leading a second IPL team in four years and his aspirations from the new season.
Excerpts:
On the challenge of leading a new team
It is a terrific opportunity for me. There has been a lot of movement amongst the teams after the last season and Kings XI Punjab is no different. I am looking forward to the new players coming together and gelling as a team.
On the rebuilding phase in IPL 4
I expect it to be a lot like the first season. Building the team again is going to take some time. The team that manages to work together will be the most successful this season. The first couple of weeks will be crucial for all the teams.
On essentials required to build a successful IPL team
It is important to create an atmosphere in which everyone is happy. The captain and the coaching staff needs to play a big role in achieving this. Bonding and team camaraderie also goes a long way in achieving success. All of this takes a lot of hard work and good planning.
On strengths of KXIP
We have a good mixture of experience and youth. There are also a few unknown names like Australia's Nathan Rimmington and IPL provides a great opportunity for such players to shine. Praveen Kumar is going to be a great asset for the side and if hadn't got injured he would have been a crucial member of the Indian team. Piyush Chawla, on the other hand, was very much part of the Indian team and has the ability to trouble all quality batsmen. We also have a good blend in the batting led by the talented Shaun Marsh.
On the favourites for the IPL 4 title
At this moment, it is hard to look beyond Mumbai Indians and the defending champions Chennai Super Kings. Both these teams have tried to retain as much team as they possibly can during the auctions. However, we have seen some mixed results in the past IPL seasons and this year I don't expect it to be any different.
On MS Dhoni's qualities as a skipper
His biggest plus point is the ability to remain calm under pressure in all formats of the game. He is a good thinker and a fabulous player to boot. In addition to that he is not afraid of taking risks and it was good to see him come up the order in the World Cup final to tackle the threat of Muttiah Muralitharan.
On fatigue being a factor
I don't see the World Cup hangover lasting for too long with the international players. All the players have had some time to spend with their families and should be recharged come the IPL.
On opportunity to play home games at picturesque Dharamshala
It is certainly one of the most beautiful cricketing venues in the world. I had the opportunity of playing one game there during my stint with the Deccan Chargers but I am looking forward to returning there as a home player. The people there made us feel very welcome.
toi
Even at the age of 39 - three years after hanging up his boots in international cricket - he remains a prize catch for any IPL team. No wonder the Kings XI Punjab team splurged out $900,000 in the IPL auction in January and didn't waste any time in appointing him the skipper of the team for the fourth season which gets underway on Friday.
Gilchrist speaks to TOI about the opportunity of leading a second IPL team in four years and his aspirations from the new season.
Excerpts:
On the challenge of leading a new team
It is a terrific opportunity for me. There has been a lot of movement amongst the teams after the last season and Kings XI Punjab is no different. I am looking forward to the new players coming together and gelling as a team.
On the rebuilding phase in IPL 4
I expect it to be a lot like the first season. Building the team again is going to take some time. The team that manages to work together will be the most successful this season. The first couple of weeks will be crucial for all the teams.
On essentials required to build a successful IPL team
It is important to create an atmosphere in which everyone is happy. The captain and the coaching staff needs to play a big role in achieving this. Bonding and team camaraderie also goes a long way in achieving success. All of this takes a lot of hard work and good planning.
On strengths of KXIP
We have a good mixture of experience and youth. There are also a few unknown names like Australia's Nathan Rimmington and IPL provides a great opportunity for such players to shine. Praveen Kumar is going to be a great asset for the side and if hadn't got injured he would have been a crucial member of the Indian team. Piyush Chawla, on the other hand, was very much part of the Indian team and has the ability to trouble all quality batsmen. We also have a good blend in the batting led by the talented Shaun Marsh.
On the favourites for the IPL 4 title
At this moment, it is hard to look beyond Mumbai Indians and the defending champions Chennai Super Kings. Both these teams have tried to retain as much team as they possibly can during the auctions. However, we have seen some mixed results in the past IPL seasons and this year I don't expect it to be any different.
On MS Dhoni's qualities as a skipper
His biggest plus point is the ability to remain calm under pressure in all formats of the game. He is a good thinker and a fabulous player to boot. In addition to that he is not afraid of taking risks and it was good to see him come up the order in the World Cup final to tackle the threat of Muttiah Muralitharan.
On fatigue being a factor
I don't see the World Cup hangover lasting for too long with the international players. All the players have had some time to spend with their families and should be recharged come the IPL.
On opportunity to play home games at picturesque Dharamshala
It is certainly one of the most beautiful cricketing venues in the world. I had the opportunity of playing one game there during my stint with the Deccan Chargers but I am looking forward to returning there as a home player. The people there made us feel very welcome.
toi
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