Andrew Puttick, Cape Cobras' opening bat and purveyor of the only Champions League T20 century, said his side was looking to build on its 2009 showing, where it got to the semifinals.
“That (the run in 2009) was fantastic and even this time around, we have a lot of players with international and IPL experience,” said Puttick, who will be a part of the team that includes the likes of Dale Steyn, J.P. Duminy and Herschelle Gibbs.
Speaking of his century in 2009, Puttick said: “It was a really special occasion for me, I think it is the best knock that I have played, and hopefully this season I will be the second centurion too.”
The advent of T20 cricket, Puttick said, has changed the way batsmen approach the game, but for the better.
“It (the T20 format) has definitely improved a lot of aspects of all cricketers, the batsmen are stronger, they use heavier bats to hit the ball farther. But whatever changes have been brought in are all for the better of the game.”
He also said the South African side was happy to let its IPL counterparts hog the media limelight, saying the team will use the time off the radar to acclimatise itself.
“We are happy to cruise under the radar. Hopefully we will be set by the time the tournament starts. We will look to build from game to game and then we can show people what we can do.”
Puttick also said the Chepauk wicket was not as much of a challenge as it is made out to be: “It is difficult initially, it becomes better to bat on once you settle in, it is not too different from what we have experienced back home.”
