Jehan Mubarak can be the best ambassador a team can ask for. Articulate, humble to a fault and immensely accommodating, the affable Sri Lankan cricketer made up for the absence of his team-mates at a media interaction ahead of the Champions League Twenty20 here.
A communication gap between the organisers and the Wayamba Elevens team management left Mubarak red-faced. The Wayamba Elevens media manager, Asoka N. Pathirane, was at pains to explain the absence of his team. He made up for them with a friendly speech even as Mubarak handled the media with aplomb.
In contrast was the Delhi Daredevils team. It was the most-sought after but then it was also in the greatest hurry to get over the proceedings, seemingly mundane for them but not for the media. “We have a practice match to play”, the media was informed. Of course, in the reduced time allocated for the interaction, Gautam Gambhir, in his now familiar rapid fire style, handled the questions with the assurance and authority that marks his presence at the crease.
“It is an exciting format. There is no room for complacency because there are several competitive teams here. We made the semifinals of both the IPL tournaments and carry that confidence into the Champions League. We also have the advantage of playing our first two matches at home”, was how Gambhir read the tournament.
“The shorter the games the lesser the dependence on names. We have a balanced side and names don’t count. We are good. It is an advantage to have played together for two years now. Twenty20 format can be quite unpredictable and that works for everyone. We are looking forward to the competition”, said Mubarak, 10 Tests and 38 ODIs old. When not playing cricket, the 28-year-old pursues swimming.
Defends colleague
Gambhir was asked his opinion on Ishant Sharma’s poor form and he defended his colleague passionately. “Ishant is just 21 and needs encouragement rather than criticism. You don’t get bowlers like him very easily. In fact, it could be good that he faced criticism early. It will help him cope with criticism and also improve himself as a bowler. I am sure he will be the leading bowler in the Indian attack in the next few years. He may not have been very impressive in recent matches but can develop into one of our great bowlers.”
On the Champions League Twenty20, Gambhir noted, “It is an exciting format. The tournament allows you to grow as a cricketer and also increases the pool of players. You get to play against some top players and I am sure the experience helps every player, junior or senior.”
Obviously disappointed at India not making it to the semifinals of the recent Champions Trophy, Gambhir batted straight. “I personally feel that it was just one bad match against Pakistan that ruined our chances of qualifying for the semifinal because our must-win match against Australia was washed out.”
The Delhi Daredevils captain also dismissed suggestions that Pakistan may have tanked the match against Australia to keep India out. “Personally, I don’t think any international side will try to lose a match deliberately, especially in order to ensure that a third team (India) does not qualify.”
Exciting action
The most professional response this morning came from the Sussex Sharks. Skipper Michael Yardy and coach Mark Robinson promised some exciting action from their team. “We are proud to be here. We understand the need to adapt quickly or else we could be on the way out. We don’t know much about anybody but we do respect the opposition,” said Robinson.
Support came from Yardy, “We have to get to know the conditions quickly and back our own players. The tournament means a lot to us and the focus is to perform as a team.”
