We’ll bet on ourselves: Pathan

25 April, 2009 | KXIP NEWS SERVICE

Last year was a heart-breaking loss in the semi-final. How will you be motivating the team for 2009?

We had one bad day… unfortunately, it was with bat and ball! Playing a semi-final is a big thing and maybe the pressure got to us. We wanted to play the final, that was the goal of course. This year also that is the goal and that needs no motivation… it’s a big stage and we are professionals.

How do you see the team shaping up for the challenge ahead?

As far as I can see, there are quite a few players who are back from injury and that’s good to see. Brett Lee is back and that’s good for the team… Sree’s is an unfortunate situation for the team and we will miss him. But Yuvraj is in great form and I’m positive about my batting too… and then there’s Shaun Marsh of course… so it’s looking good. I have also had some feedback from other players and that looks positive too. Ajitesh Argal seems to be in good form, Piyush Chawla is raring to go and the whole team in general looks upbeat.

How much will the team miss Sreesanth?

It makes a difference – he’s an international player and Indian. The team can have only 4 foreign players and needs 7 Indians. It’s tough to replace him, but there are good alternatives with Bopara and Ajitesh. Most of the players are in touch with international cricket… it’s hard to have a team playing at 100% all the time. There will be someone you will miss, but that’s just the way it is.

The T20Is in New Zealand were tough. How are you preparing after that?

Yes, we would liked to have won… I had played well in Sri Lanka… it played well with bat and ball and even in New Zealand, I got crucial wickets that nearly got us home. I am definitely taking the positives from those losses… we need to keep playing and I’m confident we can win.

It must be exciting and a different experience to share a dressing room with those you normally compete with. How was this last year and what are you hoping for this year?

Yes, I’m experienced so we know how it works now… I had a ball last year and the team has a great bunch of people. We all get along well at the same time, we also gave space to each other and were respectful. There was talk before the tournament whether we would get along, butwe had no problems. There’s no pressure and it’s all very cordial since we are professionals at the end of the day. There is also great responsibility on the players… everyone’s talking of the IPL, you know. We met some South African rugby players in New Zealand and even they were keen on the IPL!

What is it like to work with two foreign coaches now -- Tom Moody for KXIP and Gary Kirsten for India?

You have to take the best from both. They are different personalities but you have to be yourself and learn as much as you can. You do want to grow as a cricketer and these guys will help you achieve that.

Is revenge against the Chennai Super Kings on your mind?

Definitely! And we’ll bet on ourselves even if the conditions have changed!

How does it affect the team’s plans now that the tournament has moved to South Africa?

It’s totally different… the tactics will change since the wickets are different. We will need good fast bowlers and six batsmen. Thankfully, we have some Australians and players like Sangakkara who can handle any kind of pitch and attack. I’m personally confident since my first 1st-class hundred was in South Africa… we are in a way lucky with the players we have… the team will be prepared for all challenges.

What do you expect the South African pitches and conditions to offer bowlers?

Bowlers get smarter with time… it’s not too different in any format. T20 started with totals of 200… now the average is around 160. Rain, grounds, pitches… it all makes a difference for bowlers. On the other hand, it also helps batsmen with the ball coming on to the bat. So it’s a good challenge and bowlers will have to adjust quickly.

Which are the teams that pose the biggest threats for KXIP?

All the teams are strong and will take some beating! But I am looking forward to playing Mumbai… We will really have to play well to beat them.