The big-hitting Andrew Symonds is determined to contribute in a big way to the Deccan Chargers’ campaign in the Champions League commencing in Bangalore on October 8.
At 34, Symonds in a way is on another comeback trail, having missed out national duty for a knee surgery and for being axed on disciplinary grounds.
“The break did help me to regain the pink of condition and I am fully charged up now, for this big event. This is a huge opportunity for me to help the team clinch the honours,” Symonds said in a chat here on Sunday night.
“Whatever happened is in the past. It is a fact that I have had gone through rough times. But right now my focus is on giving everything I have to the Chargers team,” the Australian said. “I am hoping to do well in the next couple of weeks,” he added.
Questioned on whether there would be any restrictions of any sort on his movements imposed by the Chargers management in the wake of his off-field controversies when on duty with his national team, a smiling Symonds merely said that his coach Darren Lehmann gives him enough freedom to have some fun but at the same time expects more than 100 per cent commitment on the field.
Symonds, who is likely be one of the key members in the Chargers’ campaign in the Champions League, is excited at being back with the team which won the trophy in South Africa in the second edition of Indian Premier League.
“Let me reiterate that I am happy to be back here and all my energies are concentrated on doing as well as possible,” he said.
His team-mate, fast bowler Fidel Edwards, who was one of the star performers in Chargers’ successful campaign in the second IPL in South Africa, believes that even in a T20 format, the bowlers have a fair chance of getting the batsman out, since the latter are in an attacking mood.
“I only hope there will be some grass on the pitches in the Champions League for us to be more effective,” Edwards said.
“Definitely, it is a pleasure and a privilege to play alongside some of the greats like Adam Gilchrist. I enjoyed every bit of my stint in South Africa and hope to continue the good job we did there,” the West Indian fast bowler said.
“It is always a great feeling to play competitive cricket at higher levels instead of only training and I look at Champions League as another huge opportunity to prove myself,” he explained.
