Adam Gilchrist is quite excited about Kings XI Punjab’s first victory in the Indian Premier League-VI on Sunday.
“It is just one game. Feels great to get off to a good start. We will try to take it forward,” he said.
Kings XI is in the process of knitting together a new group of players — foreign professionals, Indian stars and domestic performers. Four foreigners in the playing XI stipulation has been well utilised by most franchises in IPL-VI.
Local players
Gilchrist said: “Every team needs a blend of experience and youth, a combination of older players who may or may not be internationals, but familiar with the conditions and local talent. Our strength this year is the local players.”
KXIP was on the mark in the composition of the bowling attack in the first game, young Indian fielders and batsmen chipped in when their turn came.
Praveen Kumar is the designated leader of the KXIP bowling unit, responsible for passing on his expert views to players such as Parvinder Awana.
“Our bowlers summed up the conditions very well. The batting group were beneficiaries of the hard work done by the bowlers and the standards set in fielding,” said the KXIP skipper. He is happy that all five bowlers got wickets.
Fielding display
The fielding high points came from Gurkeerat Singh (airborne catch at fine-leg) and Mandeep Singh (run out). The latter came out again as Gilchrist’s opening partner and almost matched his captain in audacity, timing and placement.
Vohra impresses
KXIP’s IPL debutant, Manan Vohra took over when the Aussie left, giving a glimpse of his awesome stroke-making in a match-winning 43 not out.
Gilchrist seemed happy about the responsibility shown by the experienced Indians and the character displayed by the younger players.
He is the most experienced foreign skipper, starting his tryst with captaincy in Twenty20 with Deccan Chargers in 2008.
